dc.description.abstract | Background: Physical activity is associated with health and a normal weight status and is
therefore recommended in childhood obesity treatment. To produce more effective treatment
for obese children, there is a need to investigate how social factors affect the outcome of these
treatments. Children with low parental socioeconomic status (SES) are particularly at high
risk for being obese and having a sedentary lifestyle. The impact of socioeconomic status in
the treatment of obese children in general, and particular regarding physical activity, is
however not known.
Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of parental socioeconomic
status on change in physical activity among obese children during participation in a familybased treatment program at St. Olav University Hospital.
Material and method: This intervention study included 58 children with obesity (BMI ≥ 2
SDS). The treatment program promoted physical activity and a healthy diet for the
participating families. Children were classified into high- or low parental socioeconomic
status based on their parents’ occupation. Physical activity was assessed by accelerometer at
baseline and after two years.
Results: Similar to the normal weigh population of children, all participants reduced their
level of physical activity over the two years of observation. A high level of physical activity at
baseline was strongly associated with a greater reduction in physical activity after two years,
and the reduction was significantly more pronounced in children with high parental
socioeconomic status.
Conclusions: The intervention was more successful in maintaining the physical activity level
in children with low parental SES compared to children with high parental SES. This result
emphasizes the need for more individualized treatment for obese children. Studies with larger
sample sizes are needed to fully explore the relationship between change in physical activity
and parental SES. | nb_NO |