Role of Lipid and Metabolic Markers in Conjunction with Lifestyle Intervention Among Pediatric Obese Children and Caregivers: A Pilot Study
Michelle Manochio
Co-Presenters: Individual Presentation
College: The College of Health Professions and Human Services
Major: Excercise Science (M.S.)
Faculty Research Mentor: Pragya Sharma Ghimire
Abstract:
Growing evidence supports that pediatric obesity has increased significantly in the last twenty years. Pediatric obesity treatment has comprised of multifactorial interventions: lifestyle intervention, family environment factors, psychosocial support, and pharmacological treatment. Although studies have shown the effectiveness of family-based multidisciplinary programs in improving childhood obesity, there is little evidence on the benefits of these programs among obese children and their caregivers from low-income groups. PURPOSE: To determine the effectiveness of a lifestyle intervention among obese children and their caregiver(s). METHODS: Children age ranges 7-12 years, body mass index (BMI) greater than 95th percentile (n=6), and caregiver BMI over 30 (n=6) participated and completed the protocol. Participant’s anthropometric measurements, percent body fat, metabolic, and lipid profile were measured before and after a 5-month intervention. Participants were asked to visit their pediatrician or nurse practitioner, registered dietician, and counselor every 3 weeks. Participants also received a free YMCA membership for the physical activity, evening cooking activity, and a grocery store tour. RESULTS: There was a trend on the decrease in BMI percentile in children (Pre= 137.5 ± 4.99; Post = 132.0 ± 8.65), however, it was not significant (p>0.05). Parents showed a significant increase in HDL levels (Pre = 40.3 ± 3.6; Post = 44.6 ± 3.7) (p=0.04) and Cholesterol levels (Pre =184.8 ± 16.9; Post= 198.83 ± 16.4) after the 5-month intervention. No significant differences were observed for glycated hemoglobin levels (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Although genetic interactions contribute to individual body weight, extant literature supports environmental factors are the key element in creating the obesogenic condition. The simple solution of taking fewer calories and expanding more has been a challenging part of lowering the obesity rate because it requires maintenance and behavior change. SIGNIFICANCE/NOVELTY: This pilot study could be helpful in evaluating feasibility data for future research on behavioral changes that lead to an improvement in child weight outcomes.Key Words: Obesity, Nutrition, and Exercise