Hemoglobin A1c in obese children and adolescents who participated in a weight management program

AIM: The objective of this study was to compare hemoglobin A1c values in non-diabetic obese children and adolescents before enrollment and after completion of a 12-wk weight management program. METHODS: Seventeen children and adolescents, age 10.8+/-2.5 y (mean+/-1 SD), joined a multidisciplinary weight management program. Hemoglobin A1c and body mass index were measured at the start and at the completion of the program in each participant. RESULTS: Body mass index at the start of the program was 34.3+/-6.4 kg/m2. Body mass index at the end of the program was 33+/-6.6 kg/m2 (p<0.05). Hemoglobin A1c at the beginning of the program was 5.3+/-0.3%. Hemoglobin A1c at the completion of the program was 5+/-0.2% (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: In this group of overweight children, hemoglobin A1c decreased significantly after participating in a multi-disciplinary weight loss program. These findings further point to the beneficial effect of lifestyle changes on the metabolic status of obese children.