Effects of a multiprofessional approach on anthropometric variables, body composition and food profile of overweight or obese adolescents

Abstract

Introduction: To investigate the effects of a multiprofessional approach on anthropometric parameters and body composition and the level of food processing in adolescents. Methods: Twelve overweight/obese male adolescents between 13-17 years old participated in a series of 12-week multiprofessional interventioms led by physical education, nutrition and psychology professionals. The participants were assessed before the intervention as well as at 6 and 12 weeks into it. Anthropometric assessments were performed, including body weight, stature and body mass index; body composition, with fat mass (FM), body fat (%BF), skeletal muscle mass (SMM) and resting metabolic rate (RMR) and by filling in a three-day food record, in order to calculate the ingested foods, by the level of processing of the food: fresh, minimally processed, processed and ultra-processed. Results: No differences were observed for the anthropometric parameters performed at different stages (p>0.05). Reductions for FM and %BF and increases in SMM and RMR (p<0.05) were identified, all after 12-week of the intervention. There was an increase in the consumption of natural foods/g, and an increase in the caloric consumption of processed foods/kcal, after 12-week of interventions (p<0.05). Conclusion: The model resulted in decreases in FM and %BF, an increase in SMM, RMR, natural foods/g and processed foods/kcal.