OBJECTIVE: To verify the effects of an intervention program including physical exercise and recreational activities, as well as nutritional counseling, on the health-related quality of life of obese children. METHODS: This was a controlled clinical trial. The initial study population included children aged eight to 11 years with a body mass index (BMI) > 97th percentile for age and gender, according to the criteria of the World Health Organization, totaling 44 children matched by gender and age, as case (n = 22) and control groups (n = 22). BMI and self-reported health-related quality of life by Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory were measured before and after 12 weeks of intervention (three times weekly). The control group did not participate in the intervention. RESULTS: Thirty-two children completed the study (16 in each group). The case group showed significant reduction in BMI (p = 0.001) and improved quality of life in the physical (p = 0.001), emotional (p = 0.014), social (p = 0.004), and psychosocial (p = 0.002) domains, as well as in overall quality of life (p = 0.001), which was not observed in the control group. CONCLUSION: The program was effective in improving the health and quality of life of obese children.
Child; Obesity; Physical activity; Recreation
