Effects of long-term multidisciplinary inpatient therapy on body composition of severely obese adolescents.

OBJECTIVES To describe the effects of long-term multidisciplinary inpatient therapy on body composition of severely obese adolescents. METHODS A total of 728 extremely obese adolescents, including 249 boys (aged 15.25+/-1.56 years) and 479 girls (aged 15.34+/-1.59 years) received multidisciplinary therapy during a period of 3 to 9 months. The therapy consisted of reduced energy intake, dietetic education, physical exercises and psychological therapy. Body composition was assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis, and physical capacity was assessed by the multistage cycle ergometer test. Type and duration of each activity were recorded using a daily controlled activity diary. RESULTS There was a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in body mass (27.84+/-12.49 kg for boys and 21.60+/-9.87 kg for girls), body mass index (9.19+/-3.88 kg/m(2) for boys and 7.72+/-3.98 kg/m(2) for girls) and fat mass. In addition, the percentage of fat free mass increased significantly (p < 0.05) in boys (from 58.8+/-6.41 to 69.98+/-7.43%) and in girls (from 51.86+/-4.96 to 60.04+/-5.65%). CONCLUSIONS Long-term multidisciplinary approach allows significant reduction in severe obesity, preserving growth and percentage of fat free mass.