Anthropometric and cardiometabolic characteristics of an obese adolescent in a weight control program

Abstract

Pediatric obesity is a global epidemic associated with the early development of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. The objective of this case study is to present and compare initial and final results of assessments carried out at an exercise physiology unit on a 15-year-old adolescent girl with obesity that had spent one year participating in a multidisciplinary program for clinical management of pediatric obesity. This multidisciplinary program includes initial, follow-up and final visits in physiology of exercise, nutrition, psychology, cardiology, gastroenterology and endocrinology. Anthropometric measurements included weight, height, body mass index, percentage of fat mass and lean mass. Muscular strength was measured with a hand dynamometer, and the cardiorespiratory fitness test was conducted with a metabolic system, using a ramp protocol on a cycle ergometer up to the voluntary maximum. The results showed that no changes had occurred in weight and body mass index. However, there was an increase in lean mass, a reduction in the percentage of fat, an increase in hand grip strength, cardiorespiratory power and fitness, all of which suggests a positive impact on health. In conclusion, pediatric obesity control programs that include physical activity and exercise should stress not just body weight but the benefits derived from the reduction of body mass, the increase in lean mass and improvements in cardiorespiratory and neuromuscular health.