Predictive factors in the success of intervention to treat obesity in elementary school children.

BACKGROUND: Currently, a generalizable conclusion on the effectiveness of treatment programs for childhood obesity cannot be drawn, and how practical and effective the intervention strategies are remains a controversial subject. METHODS AND RESULTS: In the present study 36 obese elementary school children who visited an intervention program at least 4 times were followed for 12 months or more. A stepwise regression analysis was performed using the decrease in the percent relative body weight (%RBW) at 12 months after the first visit as a dependent variable, and the decrease in the %RBW and nutritional data between 2 successive visits as independent variables. The analysis revealed 4 significant predictive factors: (1) a higher ratio of energy intake from protein (20%) recommended at the first visit, (2) a greater decrease in the %RBW between the first and second visits, (3) higher age, and (4) a higher concentration of alanine aminotransferase at the first visit. CONCLUSION: Providing a strong motivation to change eating and activity behavior at the early stage of intervention and recommending diets with higher ratios of energy intake from protein are the most practical and effective strategies for treating obesity.