Long-Term Evaluation of BMI Percentile Changes After FitKids360 Detroit

• Published in: Pediatrics (Evanston) 2019-08, Vol.144 (2_MeetingAbstract), p.207-207
• Main Authors: Clausen, David, Riddle-Jones, Latonya, Berschback, Madeline, McNitt, Megan, Gelzayd, Evan, Tucker, Jared
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anthropometry; Body mass index; Children; Durability; Medical personnel; Medical records; Medical students; Obesity; Pediatrics; Public health
• ISSN: 0031-4005; 1098-4275
• DOI: 10.1542/peds.144.2MA3.207

"Purpose" Childhood obesity is a perpetuating health problem in the United States that has been increasing in incidence. Michigan is shown to have a particularly heightened prevalence in comparison with many other parts of the country. To combat this public health issue, the Wayne County Healthcare Access Program has partnered with FitKids360 Grand Rapids to develop FitKids360 Detroit. Upon the completion of the 8-week program, there is limited follow-up that occurs. The lifestyle changes that are taught and implemented during the program may be maintained or diminished over time. The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in BMI% that occurred during FitKids360 Detroit, and to assess the longevity of these changes 6, 12 and 24 months after participation. "Methods" FitKids360 is a Stage 2 obesity treatment program, which helps to provide Detroit families with the tools and information to make healthier lifestyle choices. The 8-week program is designed for children ages 5-17 with a BMI that is at or above the 85th BMI percentile for their age and sex. Participation is based upon physician referral and screening by the FitKids360 staff. The program utilizes a multidisciplinary approach that includes social workers, dieticians, exercise physiologists, pediatric residents and medical student mentors. In addition to the informational component of the program, 45-60 minutes of exercise is integrated into each class. BMI's were collected from pre-cohort measurements and medical records from office visits, 6, 12 and 24 months after the cohort start date. Each obtained BMI measurement was age- and sex-adjusted to yield percent of the 95th BMI% (%BMI95). Changes in %BMI95 were calculated by comparing a participant's baseline to a subsequent office visit (6, 12 or 24 months). "Results" From 2013 through 2016, 264 youth and their families participated in FitKids360 Detroit; of these, 219 completed the program (83% retention), and 90 had post-program data available from medical records. Overall patients had a significant decrease (post - pre) in mean (±SD) %BMI95 from baseline through 6 months (-4.1 ± 9.4) (p=0.003), and from baseline through 12 months (-5.1 ± 12.9) (p=0.008) follow-ups. There was however, a non-significant decrease in the %BMI95 at the 24-month mark (-3.0 ± 14.8). "Conclusion" Participants who complete FitKids360 Detroit demonstrate a significant decrease in age- and sex-specific BMI through 12 months after the program, which provides an indica