Background:
Referrals to tertiary obesity clinics for extreme/complex childhood obesity are increasing in Australia. Accurate data on the attempts made to promote weight loss in the community prior to referral to tertiary services is lacking. This study aimed to address this information gap by documenting previous weight loss attempts made by obese children and adolescents referred to tertiary clinics.
Methods:
Participants referred to a tertiary paediatric obesity clinic undertook an electronic questionnaire. The child’s carer completed the questionnaire if the child was <12, ≥12 years olds completed their own questionnaire. The questionnaire queried attempt modality (sport, exercise programs, dietary changes, diet programs, medications, health professional/psychological support) and clarified these attempts with further questions about perceived weight loss, health benefits, enjoyment, duration and reasons for initiating/ceasing the intervention.
Findings:
137 participants took part (2-11yrs n=61; 12-19yrs n=76; m:f =70:67). All participants had attempted at least one modifiable lifestyle factor with the aim to promote weight loss. 115(83.7%) had attempted one or more sports, 47(34.4%) an exercise program. 55(39.9%) had attempted nutritionist/dietician guided dietary changes, 72(52.8%) self-imposed dietary changes. Self-imposed rules for dietary changes were non-specific with the most common rules being “reduce junk food” (64.4%) and “reduce fat” (64.4%, n=47). 27(19.9%) had tried a commercial dietary program.
3 adolescents had used phone/computer based weight loss apps with perceived success (weight loss 2-5kg). 33(24%) had received weight loss support/counselling from a community based health professional. No participants reported using weight loss medications/supplements.
Conclusion:
All obese children and adolescents made one or more attempts at weight loss prior to referral to a tertiary obesity clinic. Attempts to increase activity and dietary modification were most commonly used. Method of weight loss attempts varied in approach, outcomes and perceived benefits, all participants identified the need for lifestyle changes for weight loss.