Influence of Exercise on Body Composition and Patient Outcomes in a Multidisciplinary Pediatric Obesity Clinic

Background: Childhood obesity has become a global epidemic, with approximately 34% of American children affected. This study describes outcomes seen in patients of a Multidisciplinary Pediatric Obesity Clinic (MPOC) who are compliant with individualized exercise regimens conducted by a Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CEP). The goal of this study is to track body composition, physical fitness measures, laboratory results, dietary and behavioral changes over the course of the program. Methods: Prospective cohort study design was implemented. There were 8-week exercise sessions conducted. Participants were evaluated by the CEP before, after the 8-week session using a standardized physical fitness evaluation, measurement of body composition and circumferences. Results: Statistical significance was observed with the increase in height (p\u003c0.001), weight (p=0.014), Total Lean Mass (p=0.015). Increase in percent lean mass for all ethnicities in the study group i.e. black (male and female), hispanic (male and female) and white (male). An increase in the number of push-ups (p=0.012) was also observed. Conclusion: We can conclude that the use of an MPOC, CEP, and an exercise program early in childhood can potentially prevent the complications of obesity later in life.