Health Related Quality of Life, Self-Esteem and Health Behaviour on Average 6 Years after an Obesity Outpatient Lifestyle Program

Background Multimodal programs focusing on weight reduction are recommended in guidelines for the treatment of obese children. However, studies investigating the effects of such programs over time are still missing; there is especially a lack of studies considering longer periods after treatment. In the present study, adolescents' bodyweight, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), self-esteem and health behavior were assessed before and directly after the treatment as well as 3 years after the treatment. Methods Between 2005 and 2009 84 children and adolescents took part in a 10-month, multimodal training programme. A number of 55 participants were assessed before (T0), after (T1) and at least 3 years after the beginning of the programme (T2). Based on height and weight the Body mass index standard deviation score (BMI-SDS) was calculated. Further, HRQoL, self-esteem, physical activity and eating behavior were measured by means of standardized questionnaires. Results On average 6 years after program beginning the BMI-SDS decreased by 0.4 compared to program beginning (p<0.01). The HRQoL total score increased from 70.1 +/- 12.1 at T0 to 76.2 +/- 12.8 at T2 (p<0.05). The self-esteem also increased from 54.0 +/- 23.4 (T0) to 65.0 +/- 21.5 (T2; p<0.05). In addition, in the long run the physical activity (p<0.05) and the interest in sports (p<0.001) increased. However, the eating behavior did not improve significantly. Conclusion In addition to weight and health behaviour improvements participating in a multimodal training program is associated with a clinical relevant increase of HRQoL and self-esteem. These improvements of protective factors can diminish the risk of discrimination and should be analysed in further controlled studies.