Methods to treat adolescent obesity include multi-disciplinary intervention programs and/or drug therapy. The protein-sparing modified fast (PSMF; protein intake 2.0 g/kg ideal body weight (IBW) and 500-600 kcal/day) allows effective control of carbohydrate metabolism and hunger by reducing serum glucose and insulin and increasing free fatty acid and ketone concentrations. Redux®(Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories) stimulates the production of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain to provide the emotional sense of being satisfied, as well as a general feeling of well-being. In a preliminary investigation we treated two obese male adolescents in an outpatient clinical setting. Subject one (12.3 yrs.) participated in the Committed to Kids Pediatric Weight Management Program including a PSMF, Moderate Intensity Progressive Exercise Program (MPEP) and behavior modification. Subject two (12.8 yrs.) was started on Redux® (15 mg p.o. bid) with no other forms of clinical intervention. Total body weight (BW), Height (HT), Body Mass Index (BMI),%IBW, Relative fat (%) by bioelectrical impedance (BIA) and Fat Free Mass (FFM) were examined at baseline and after a 10 week period. The results are as follows: Table Subject one(PSMF) reduced BW 13.8 kg, BMI 7.9,%IBW 30.3%,%fat 8% with no change in HT and a 1.3 kg decrease in FFM. Subject two (Redux) increased BW 5.3 kg, BMI 1.0,%IBW 3.8%, HT 1.7 cm and FFM 3.3 kg with a 0.8% decrease in% fat. These preliminary data indicate that PSMF used in combination with MPEP and behavior modification may be a superior method of treatment for the obese male adolescent.

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