Improvement of Fitness in Obese Children

Improvement of Fitness and Health in Children With Obesity

This study observes fitness level and health parameters in children ages 6-12 years old with obesity using an exercise class intervention.

The purpose of this study is to improve physical fitness and health parameters in elementary-aged children who participate in an academic weight loss clinic. Patients and their parents are randomly assigned to either take exercise classes or to continue standard care (control group). Exercise classes are run at a local church 3 times a week for 8 weeks and children and parents are expected to participate. Parents are expected to follow similar dietary and exercise recommendations which are given to their children. Vitals, lab work and fitness testing are done on children at beginning, middle and end of the 6- month study. Vitals are done on parents at the beginning, middle and end of the study. Children are given Fitbits to record sleep patterns and daily physical activity.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Child must be a patient at the Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital Pediatric Multidisciplinary Weight Loss Program
• Child must be ages 6-12 years old

Exclusion Criteria:

• Lack of transportation to exercise classes
• Parents do not agree to participate in the exercise classes