Short-term and long-term positive outcomes of the multidisciplinary care implemented by the French health networks for the prevention and care of paediatric overweight and obesity.

BACKGROUND: The nine French regional health networks for the prevention and care of paediatric obesity offer a 2-year program of multidisciplinary primary care (medical, dietetical, psychological, adapted physical activity) based on multicomponent lifestyle interventions.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the short-term and long-term impact of care management.

METHODS: The impact of the multidisciplinary care was assessed by changes in the body mass index (BMI) Z score during the period of the care, and at least 2 years after the end. Anthropometric data were collected at baseline and at the end of the care either through a digital medical file or through direct phone contacts with the referring. Long-term outcomes were assessed through studies relative to post follow-up evaluation.

RESULTS: At the end of the period of the care in a network, 72.9% of 6947 children had decreased their BMI Z score from 3.6 ± 1.0 DS at baseline to 3.3 ± 1.1 DS at the end. The four studies relative to long-term evaluation showed a pursuit of the decrease of BMI Z score during the 5.1 years after the beginning of the care.

CONCLUSIONS: The care provided by regional French networks for prevention and care of paediatric obesity induce a reduction of BMI that continues afterwards.