Abstract
Therapeutic results in an outpatient population of obese children (n = 257; 145 ♂, age: x̄ 10.1y, | 0.9-18y|) are discussed. Overweight was x̄ 148.5% (120-200%) over the 50th percentile of weight/height. In patients 6-12y (n = 165), two approaches were compared : group (GT) and individual (IT) treatment. GT consisted of 8 sessions (children and their parents simultaneously but separatedly) with a reevaluation at 6 mo. IT schedule consisted of weekly interviews for 4 weeks followed by monthly controls. Early desertion rates were: GT 45% and IT 57%; late desertions: GT: 39% and IT: 70%. Time devoted (in hours/physician/patient) were: at 3 mo: GT 10hs and IT 8.6hs; at 6 mo GT 0.19hs and IT 2.5hs. Statistical analysis showed that: early desertion was greater in IT (x2, p < 0.05) while late desertion was more frequent in GT (x2, p < 0.05). Time devoted to each patient in GT or IT was similar. Results suggest that although weight loss is not different in GT or IT, the lower early desertion rate in GT allows patients and their families to receive more information and behaviour management which, may have longer lasting effects.
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Arias, G., Mazza, C., Du Mortier, A. et al. WEIGHT REDUCTION TREATMENT IN A HOSPITAL POPULATION OF OBESE CHILDREN. Pediatr Res 28, 558 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199011000-00043
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199011000-00043