MINSAL-FONASA Pilot Study in obese children and adolescents

Abstract

Reducing the prevalence of childhood obesity is a sanitary goal for the decade. 

Objective: To evaluate a short time intervention model in childhood obesity on its anthropometric and metabolic impact. 

Methods: Prospective evaluation of obese children and adolescents, 6 to 19 years of age. A pilot treatment program from the Public Health System and FONASA was conducted as a multidisciplinary, non-pharmacologic intervention, during a 4-month follow-up period. Body Mass Index (BM1), waist circumference, lipid profile, plasma glucose and HOMA index were evaluated. In a subset of the subjects the blood profile was repeated on the 4th month. 

Results: 402 patients entered the program, 56,5% females, age 12,2 years (range 6,3-18,2). Baseline mean BMl z score was 2,92 (1,7 to 7,7), mean waist circumference was 92,3 ±11,1 cm. A total cholesterol (TC) >170 mg/dL was founded in 39,1% of patients; LDL >110 mg/dL, 26,5%; HDL < 40 mg/dL, 30,9%, and TG > 110 mg/dL in 37% of patients. The median HOMAwas 2,45 (0,37 to 17,79). The program was completed by 66,9% of patients, 68,4% of these reduced z score BMl at the 4-month evaluation (3,13 baseline vs 2,74, p < 0.05), without correlation with age, gender, or baseline BMl z score. The group who completed the program showed a BMl z score at baseline significantly higher than their counterparts (3,1 vs 2,74, p < 0,05). 118 subjects were reevaluated, 59 % of them showed a decrease in HOMA index. From the group of patients with high TC levels at baseline, 54% reduced the TC and 66% TG, without relation to weight, waist circumference or HOMA reduction. 

Conclusion: a high percentage of children succeeded in completing the program, showing better adherence those who were more overweight at the entrance of the program. The program showed an improvement in the nutritional state and in metabolic factors.