Abstract
Obesity is the main nutritional problem in children and its treatment has a poor outcome.
Objective: To evaluate conventional medical treatment in a group of obese children and assess their compliance.
Methods: 120 obese patients’ files were reviewed retrospectively, between january 2001 and january 2002. Nutritional status was recorded at first outpatient visit and after 2, 4, 6 and 12 months of treatment. All patients received dietetic advice and were asked to increase their physical activity.
Results: 52% were girls, aged 9,7 ± 3,3 years, W/H: 147,6 ± 20%, and z BMI: 3,4 ± 1,5. 30% of patients abandoned treatment after first visit, with a drop out rate of 23, 10 and 18% after 2, 4 and 6 months. Only 18,3% kept regular control at one year of follow-up, decreasing their W/H in –20,8 ± 13,6%. The latter were more obese at first visit (Anova, p < 0,05) and had a greater initial weight loss (Anova, p > 0,05). There was no difference in age, sex, sexual maturation, or for positive family history of obesity, that allowed predicting clinical outcome.
Conclusion: A high percentage of the obese children abandon conventional medical treatment; only 18.3% maintain compliance at 12 months, all of them with significant nutritional improvement. Strategies must be developed to increase compliance.
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Copyright (c) 2005 Revista Chilena de Pediatría