Abstract
Objective. To assess the impact of exercise consultation on physical activity (PA) levels, anthropometric measures, and metabolic markers in obese adolescents. Methods. Obese adolescents (14–18 years) were randomized to either an exercise consultation (intervention group) or to review “Canada's Physical Activity Guide for Youth” (control group). Outcomes, including accelerometry, anthropometrics, blood pressure, stage of exercise behavior change, fasting glucose, insulin, and lipids, were measured at baseline and 3 months later. Results. Thirty adolescents (mean BMI = 36.1 kg/m2; SD = 6.9) completed the study. At follow-up, the intervention group had significantly greater PA compared with controls (P < .05). Similarly, the intervention group weighed an average 2.6 kg less than the control group (P < .05), with a mean BMI z-score of 2.15 compared to 2.21 for controls (P = .054). No other differences were noted. Conclusion. Exercise consultation may be a simple approach to increase PA levels, reduce weight, and lower BMI in obese adolescents.
Highlights
Obesity rates in Canadian children have tripled over the past three decades [1]
No study has evaluated this approach in an adolescent population. The purpose of this pilot study was to assess whether exercise consultation would increase physical activity levels, lead to a progression in stage of readiness to change in exercise behavior, as well as improve anthropometric measures and metabolic markers in obese adolescents over a 3-month period
There were no differences between participants and those who refused to participate in terms of age, sex, or BMI z-score
Summary
Obesity rates in Canadian children have tripled over the past three decades [1]. This trend is concerning, given that obese children tend to become obese adults [2,3,4,5,6,7], putting them at risk for coronary artery disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and other chronic conditions [3,4,5,6,7,8]. In a randomized controlled trial involving adults with type 2 diabetes, exercise consultation was associated with a sevenfold increase in activity levels from baseline over a 6-month period [19]. No study has evaluated this approach in an adolescent population The purpose of this pilot study was to assess whether exercise consultation would increase physical activity levels, lead to a progression in stage of readiness to change in exercise behavior, as well as improve anthropometric measures and metabolic markers in obese adolescents over a 3-month period
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
