Semi-intensive and Intensive Interdisciplinary Treatments Have Similar Effects on Metabolic Syndrome and Selected Inflammatory Markers in Adolescents with Obesity

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was to compare the impact of semi-intensive and intensive interdisciplinary weight-loss therapies on the treatment of metabolic syndrome (MS) and selected inflammatory markers in adolescents with obesity. METHODS: The study included 166 adolescents enrolled in two groups for 22 weeks: the intensive group (in-person aerobic and resistance exercise three times a week, and psychological and nutritional counselling once a week), or the semi-intensive group (six in-person exercise orientation meetings and six in-person psychological support sessions with an online nutritional and exercise program). Anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, fasting glucose, insulin, lipid profile, triglycerides (TG), leptin and adiponectin were assessed before and after the interventions. RESULTS: Body weight and waist circumference decreased in both groups (P<0.001) and large effect sizes (η(2)= 0.586 and η(2)=0.465, respectively) were noted. Significant time and group interactions were found (P=0.001) with medium effect sizes (η(2)=0.095 and η(2)=0.105, respectively). The prevalence of MS decreased from 27.9% to 13.1% (P=0.012) and 29.4% to 5.9% (P=0.004) in the semi-intensive and intensive groups, respectively. All MS risk factors decreased significantly over time (P<0.001) and a significant time*group interaction was observed (P<0.05), except for fasting TG (P=0.832) and glucose (P=0.128, η(2)=0.021). CONCLUSION: The results suggested that both approaches promoted significant clinical improvement in the condition of adolescents with MS and reduced associated risk factors. Studies that consider the cost effectiveness of both treatments are still needed to determine whether semi-intensive care, with its lower financial costs, may be a suitable option to treat obesity and MS in adolescents with obesity.