A Clinic-Based Lifestyle Intervention for Pediatric Obesity: Efficacy and Behavioral and Biochemical Predictors of Response

AIM: To examine efficacy and predictors of response to a lifestyle intervention for obese youth. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of 214 children and adolescents aged 8-19 years. Linear regression identified baseline predictors of response (delta BMI z-score) at first and ultimate follow-up visits. RESULTS: Mean delta BMI z-score from baseline was -0.04 (p < 0.001) at first follow-up and -0.09 (p < 0.001) at ultimate follow-up (median time 10 mo) among 156 children and adolescents. Higher baseline BMI z-score predicted poor response at first and ultimate follow-up, explaining 10% of variance in response. Fasting insulin explained 6% of response variance at first follow-up. delta BMI z-score at the first visit along with baseline BMI z-score explained up to 50% of variance in response at ultimate visit. CONCLUSION: Clinic-based interventions improve weight status. Baseline variables predict only a small proportion of response; response at the first visit is a more meaningful tool to guide clinical decisions.