Effect of Spa Treatment (Diet, Exercise, Balneotherapy) on Risk Factors of IHD in Obese Children

Overview

The authors assessed in 78 obese subjects, mean age 11.7 years the incidence of the metabolic syndrome andprepared a multidisciplinary non-pharmacological therapeutic programme. Its effectiveness was investigatedduring five-week spa treatment. A complete picture of the metabolic syndrome with insulin resistance, impairedlipid metabolism and systemic hypertension was found in 10% of the patients. A non-pharmacological therapeuticprogramme involving diet, exercise and balneotherapy led to a mean 10% decline of body weight. The impairedlipid metabolism found in 80% of the subjects at the onset of treatment improved in all and the same applies tothe physical fitness level. The attained results provide evidence that non-pharmacological therapeutic programmesin obese children are effective and lead to repair of deviations which condition in adult age cardiovascularcomplications of IHD.

Key words:
risk factors of IHD, obese children, spa treatment