Treatment of Obesity in Pediatric Patients in Germany: Anthropometry, Comorbidity and Socioeconomic Gradients Based on the BZgA Observational Study

Background: In recent years, the prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents has markedly increased. Even though numerous treatment options are available for patients, these are heterogeneously structured and insufficiently evaluated. Patients: In this initial report of specific therapy under routine care circumstances, data from 1916 patients aged 8-16.9 years were analyzed. Patients were characterized based on cluster of therapy, sociodemographic, psychosocial and medical features. Furthermore, the quality of care procedures with regard to the diagnosis of comorbidities was analyzed. Results: At initial medical examination mean patient BMI-SDS was +2.43 and mean age was 12.6 years. 43.3% of patients were male. The mean duration of treatment was 6.1 months (55% outpatient, 45% inpatient care setting). 14% of patients were overweight, 48% obese and 37% were extremely obese. In 51% of the patients we could find already comorbidities. Parental BMI was related to patient's BMI. Socioeconomic status was reduced compared to general population. Conclusion: In this nationwide, pioneer multicentre observational study initiated by Federal Centre for Health Education (BZgA) in Germany, different therapeutic approaches were compared by examining somatic and psychosocial variables. The short- and long-term effects of different weight reduction programs on BMI-SDS, nutritional- and physical activity habits as well as quality of life and comorbidity will be examined at the end of therapy. Two follow-up assessments are planned for one and two years after the intervention ended.