Multidisciplinary Treatment for Childhood Obesity: A Two-Year Experience in the Province of Naples, Italy

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Public Health
• Nutrition Science

Background:

• Childhood obesity requires integrated, multi-level preventive strategies.
• An outpatient service for childhood obesity treatment was established in Naples, Italy.
• Assessing adherence and outcomes is crucial for optimizing pediatric obesity interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the adherence and outcomes of a 2-year outpatient childhood obesity treatment program.
• To identify factors influencing patient attrition and treatment adherence.
• To assess the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary approach in managing pediatric obesity.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 451 children with obesity was analyzed over a 2-year follow-up.
• Anthropometric measurements (weight, height, waist circumference) and body composition were assessed at baseline (T0), 6 months (T1), and 12 months (T2).
• Sociodemographic data, parental education, and physical activity levels were collected to analyze attrition and adherence.

Main Results:

• The attrition rate was 51.3%, with higher parental education associated with better adherence.
• Significant improvements in all measured outcomes were observed between T0 and T1 (p < 0.001).
• Body Mass Index (BMI) significantly decreased by T2, and changes in BMI-Standard Deviation Score (SDS) were linked to baseline values.

Conclusions:

• The multidisciplinary outpatient approach shows promise for treating childhood obesity in the Naples region.
• Lower parental educational levels are a significant determinant of attrition in pediatric obesity treatment programs.
• Targeted interventions addressing socioeconomic factors may improve adherence and outcomes in childhood obesity management.