Objective: To test a multidisciplinary and motivational intervention for the treatment
of Brazilian obese and low-income adolescents (Z score>2 BMI-for-age)
that used nutritional counseling without dietary control. Methods: An intervention protocol was developed including periodical nutritional
education workshops, individual nutritional counseling guided by the stages
of eating behavior of the Trans Theoretical Model of Behavior Change,
physical exercise, psychological counseling, recreational activities, and
clinical follow-up for 13 months in a sample of 21 adolescents (11-17 years
old). Results: The rate of treatment withdrawal (9.5%) was lower than that seen in dietary
control studies (30-60%). Initially, 70% of the sample was in the
pre-contemplation behavior stage and, in the end, 100% of the remaining
adolescents were in the stages of action or maintenance. There was a mean
reduction in BMI-for-age (p=0.038) and visceral fat (M±SD=3.67±1.19 and
2.78±0.78 cm, p=0.02, initial and final, respectively). The percentage of
fat mass decreased and that of lean mass increased (42±5 and 38±8, p=0.04,
58±6 and 61±8%, p=0.03, respectively).Conclusions: The intervention seems to be effective in generating a lifestyle change,
accompanied by anthropometric profile and body composition improvement. The
intervention protocol may offer easy adaptation and low-cost methodology for
health services, with high adherence and low abandonment rates.