It is unclear from these results whether sports programs , as currently offered , protect youth from becoming overweight or obese .
Sport is a promising setting for obesity prevention among youth , but little is known about whether it prevents obesity .
Sports camp with six months of support from a local sports club as a treatment for childhood obesity
Aims : Although childhood obesity is becoming increasingly prevalent , treatment options are limited and the continued development of effective treatment strategies is necessary . It is equally important to explore involvement of other re sources in society , such as sports associations . This study was design ed to investigate the possibility of reducing the degree of obesity in obese children by focusing on physical activity as an intervention . Methods : Seventy-six children ( 40 boys ) aged 8—12 years ( mean age 10.5 years , mean body mass index ( BMI ) 28.9 , st and ard deviation ( SD ) 3.0 ; mean BMI z-score 3.24 , SD 0.49 ) were invited to participate in a one-week sports camp and six-month support system . After the camp a sports coach from a local sports club supported the child during participation in a chosen sport for six months . Weight , height , body composition ( using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry and magnetic resonance imaging ) , and lifestyle ( using a question naire ) were measured at baseline and after 12 months . Data were pooled from two camps , one with a self-selected control group and one r and omized controlled trial . Results : Twelve months after the camp the intervention group had a significant decrease in BMI z-score ( baseline BMI z-score 3.22 ; follow up 3.10 , p = 0.023 ) . The control group also reduced their BMI z-score ( baseline BMI z-score 3.27 ; follow up 3.18 , p = 0.022 ) . No differences were found in baseline values , follow-up values , or changes in BMI z-score between groups , nor between boys and girls . Conclusions : The focus on physical activity as an intervention had no effect on degree of obesity when compared with a waiting list control group
It is unclear from these results whether sports programs , as currently offered , protect youth from becoming overweight or obese .
Sport is a promising setting for obesity prevention among youth , but little is known about whether it prevents obesity .