6-Week Lifestyle Intervention on Anthropometry, Body Composition and Risk Factors for Metabolic Syndrome in Chinese Obese Children

OBJECTIVE: The growing prevalence of childhood obesity and its concomitant health risks worth worldwide efforts toward prevention. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of a 6-week lifestyle intervention on anthropometry, body composition and risk factors for metabolic syndrome (Met S) defined by International Diabetes Federation (IDF) in Chinese obese children. METHODS: 43 obese children participated in a 6-week program including moderate aerobic exercise, behavior modification and low-carbohydrate ad libitum diet. Changes in anthropometric parameters and body composition were evaluated at the 1st, 3rd and 6th week of intervention. 26 subjects agree to test their pre-and post-intervention fasting blood biomarkers for Met S. RESULTS: The level of insulin, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides were reduced significantly (P < 0.001), but with slight decrease (P < 0.05) in high density lipoprotein cholesterol. All of these changes occurred along with dramatic improvement (P < 0.001) in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, resting heart rate, body fat percentage, BMI, circumferences and skinfolds thickness. CONCLUSION: A 6-week lifestyle intervention may have a positive effect on diminishing risk factors for the Met Sand enhancing overall fitness in Chinese obese children.