The effect of family-based multidisciplinary cognitive behavioral treatment on health-related quality of life in childhood obesity

Abstract

To evaluate the effect of multidisciplinary treatment on obesity and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Obese children were randomized to a multidisciplinary lifestyle treatment, including medical, nutritional, physical, and psychological counseling during 3months, (n=40, BMI-SDS; 4.2±0.7, age; 13.3±2.0) or standard care, including an initial advice on nutrition and physical activity by the pediatrician (n=39, BMI-SDS; 4.3±0.7, age; 13.1±1.9). At baseline, after 3months of treatment and at 12months follow-up, data were collected for BMI-SDS and a European validated questionnaire for assessing HRQOL (DISABKIDS). A significantly reduced BMI-SDS was found for the intervention group after 3months treatment (4.0±0.9 vs. 4.2±0.7, P=0.02) and at 12months follow-up (3.8±1.1 vs. 4.2±0.7, P=0.03). HRQOL in the intervention group was significantly improved at 12months follow-up and unchanged in the obese control group. Agreement between child and parent report was moderate (67-85%), with parents reporting a lower HRQOL for their obese children than children themselves in both groups. Multidisciplinary treatment is effective in reducing BMI-SDS and improving HRQOL after 12months follow-up.