We employed a multi-disciplinary, clinical outpatient weight reduction program to treat obese children [> 120% ideal body weight-(IBW)]. The medically supervised program included a 600-800 kcal protein-sparing modified fast diet (PSMF; protein intake: 2.0 g/kg IBW) and/or a balanced hypocaloric diet (BHD) based on IBW, behavior modification (BEM) and a moderate intensity(45-55% VO2 max), progressive exercise program (MPEP). Diets were supplemented with extra fluid, minerals, and vitamins. Twelve subjects entered the program and 11 subjects (M=3, F=8; 12.2 ± 3.1 years of age) successfully completed the first 10 week phase of the 52 week program. This indicates a retention rate of 92% for this initial phase. Weight, height and relative fat (%) by skinfokls (Slaughter, 1980) were obtained at baseline and 10 weeks. The mean percent IBW in the subjects was 166.9% initially and 153.3% at 10 weeks. Results of the program are shown below (mean ± SD):Table Total body weight,%IBW and%fat were significantly decreased at 10 weeks compared to baseline values. Height was significantly increased at 10 weeks compared to baseline. We conclude, a multi-disciplinary clinical outpatient weight reduction program utilizing PSMF and/or BHD, BEM, and MPEP is an effective method for the treatment of obese children.

Table 1
Full size table