This study aims to explore differences in body composition and physical fitness between obese and severely obese youth, while also assessing the effectiveness of a customized lifestyle intervention program.
A total of 129 overweight and obese children and adolescents participated in this study, all of whom were enrolled in a comprehensive lifestyle modification program. Baseline measurements of body composition and physical fitness were systematically recorded, followed by assessments after three distinct stages of intervention. Participants were stratified into groups based on obesity severity, with severe obesity (SO) defined as a BMI z-score greater than 3 standard deviations (BMI120% of the 95th percentile). The relationships among body composition and physical fitness were analyzed, comparing outcomes between severely obese (SO) and non-severely obese (non-SO) individuals.
The study cohort had a mean age of 11.6 ± 2.9 years, with 9% classified as overweight and 91% as obese. Of the obese participants, 52 individuals (40%) were classified as severely obese (SO). In adolescents, the SO group exhibited lower levels of performance in the 1-minute sit-up test (22.8±25.8 vs 48.4±28.8, p=0.003) and the standing long jump (8.7±15.0 vs 27.3±23.4, p=0.004) compared to their non-SO counterparts at baseline. Following the lifestyle intervention, both groups exhibited a significant reduction in body fat percentage, while skeletal muscle mass was preserved. The SO group showed greater reductions in key anthropometric measures such as weight, BMI, BMI z-score, and fat mass during the first two stages of the intervention compared to the non-SO group, indicating a stronger response to the program.
We have showed effectiveness in lifestyle modification program especially in fitness and body composition in overweight and obese children and adolescents. Severely obese individuals demonstrated greater reductions in key obesity-related metrics in response to lifestyle interventions. Further research is needed to understand the long-term sustainability of these improvement and the factors contributing to the greater responsiveness of severely obese individuals.
The family-based nature of intervention is a crucial element, recognizing the importance of parental involvement in shaping the long-term health behaviors of children. By engaging both children and parents in a collaborative process, the program fosters sustainable lifestyle changes that extend beyond the clinical setting.
obese children
physical fitness
