Evaluation of a 6-month multi-disciplinary healthy weight management program targeting urban, overweight adolescents: effects on physical fitness, physical activity, and blood lipid profiles

Int J Pediatr Obes. 2009;4(3):130-3. doi: 10.1080/17477160802314997.

Abstract

This study evaluated preliminary physical fitness, physical activity, and blood lipid profile data obtained from overweight adolescents upon enrolling in a healthy weight management program and following 6 months of program participation. One hundred and sixty-eight participants (13.4+/-1.8 years, 37.9+/-8.3 kg/m(2), 59.5% female and 76.2% African-American) enrolled in the program. The intervention addressed factors related to nutrition, physical activity, and other behaviors related to weight management. Sixty-four participants (38.1%) completed 6 months of program participation. While there was no significant reduction in body mass or body mass index (BMI), BMI z-score was reduced by 1.2% (p < 0.05), cardiorespiratory fitness was increased by 10.8% (p = 0.001), body fat percentage was reduced by 2.6% (p = 0.001), total cholesterol was reduced by 7.2% (p < 0.001), and low density lipoprotein (LDL-C) was reduced by 8.4% (p < 0.001) at 6 months. Continued development and evaluation of programs designed to prevent and treat child and adolescent overweight is warranted to address this major public health issue.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Exercise*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lipids / blood*
  • Male
  • Overweight* / blood
  • Physical Fitness*
  • Urban Health
  • Weight Loss*

Substances

  • Lipids