Age, income and sleep duration were associated with outcomes in children participating in weight management.

AIM: To explore associations between baseline factors and weight-related outcomes among participants enrolled in a paediatric obesity trial.

METHODS

We included children aged 6-12 years participating in a 2-year multidisciplinary family programme who attended a postintervention follow-up 36 months from baseline (n = 62). Outcome measures were change in body mass index standard deviation score (BMI SDS), reduction in BMI SDS ≥0.25 and change in waist circumference (WC). Independent variables included in linear and logistic regression models were age, sex, household income, parents' education, sleep duration, screen time and physical activity.

RESULTS

Altogether, 26 children (42%) attained a reduction of BMI SDS ≥0.25. Higher family income and longer sleep duration were associated with greater change in BMI SDS (-0.05 per 100.000 NOK, p = 0.02, and -0.24 per hour, p = 0.02, respectively). Higher age was associated with greater change in WC (-2.1 cm per year, p = 0.01) but lower odds of attaining a reduction in BMI SDS ≥0.25 (OR per year 0.70, p = 0.04). There was a borderline statistically significant trend towards greater increase in WC with longer daily screen time (p = 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Age, family income and sleep duration at baseline were associated with weight-related outcomes 1-year postintervention.