Characteristics Associated with Successful Weight Management in Youth with Obesity

J Pediatr. 2019 Sep:212:35-43. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2019.05.039. Epub 2019 Jun 21.

Abstract

Objective: To identify the medical, demographic, and behavioral factors associated with a reduction of body mass index percent of the 95th percentile (BMIp95) after 1 year for patients receiving care at a tertiary care obesity management clinic.

Study design: A retrospective review of data from first and 12 ± 3-month follow-up visits of subjects aged 8-17 years with obesity. Data included anthropometrics, demographics, medical/psychological history, reported diet patterns, and participation in moderate/vigorous physical activity. After analyzing factors associated with 1-year follow-up, we used a forward conditional logistic regression model, controlling for subject's sex, to examine associations with a BMIp95 ≥5-point decrease at 1 year.

Results: Of 769 subjects, 184 (23.9%) had 1-year follow-up. Boys more often had follow-up (28.4% vs girls, 19.1%; P = .003). The follow-up sample was 62.0% male, 65.8% Hispanic, and 77.7% with public insurance; 33.2% achieved a ≥5-point decrease in BMIp95. In regression results, the ≥5-point decrease group was more likely to have completed an initial visit in April-September (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.1-3.9); have increased physical activity by 1-2 d/wk (OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.4-7.8) or increased physical activity by ≥ 3 d/wk at 1 year (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.1-6.3); and less likely to have been depressed at presentation (OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.2-0.9). Demographic and dietary factors were not significantly associated with BMIp95 group status.

Conclusions: Strategies improving follow-up rates, addressing mental health concerns, and promoting year-round physical activity are needed to increase the effectiveness of obesity management clinics.

Keywords: body mass index outcomes; obesity management; pediatric obesity.

MeSH terms

  • Adiposity
  • Adolescent
  • Body Mass Index
  • Child
  • Depression / complications
  • Exercise*
  • Feeding Behavior
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pediatric Obesity / complications
  • Pediatric Obesity / psychology
  • Pediatric Obesity / therapy*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Weight Loss*