RESUMO
BACKGROUND: In the last years the prevalence of childhood obesity has notably increased. The treatment of this condition is very difficult, because of the frequent relapses. The aim of our study was to examine the long-term outcomes of different dietary treatments (1200 or 1400 calories or chetogenic diet, derived from the protein sparing modified fast) in children and adolescents with primary obesity, in order to show factors predictive of the long-term success. METHODS: A group of 130 obese children previously undergoing a dietary treatment have been re-evaluated after a 3, 5 and 7 years period from the beginning of the diet. RESULTS: Ninety-seven out of 130 contacted patients (52 males and 45 females; mean age: 16+/-3 years) participated in this study. An overall improvement of the weight indexes has been observed (relative DBMI mean value: -10.5%). About 1/5 of the whole study-group is not overweight anymore. The statistical analysis (ANOVA and multiple regression analysis) showed that the factors positively affecting the long-term outcome were the following: use of chetogenic diet, initial success of the treatment, older age and strong motivation at the beginning of the diet, gender (male) and lack of familiarity for obesity. CONCLUSIONS: It is important, in the clinical practice, to consider the above factors that can predict the long-term success of the dietary treatment, in order to individualize the therapy.
