PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of multidisciplinary treatment on obesity and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). METHODS: Obese children were randomized to a multidisciplinary lifestyle treatment, including medical, nutritional, physical, and psychological counseling during 3 months (n = 40, BMI-SDS; 4.2 +/- 0.7, age; 13.3 +/- 2.0) or standard care, including an initial advice on nutrition and physical activity by the pediatrician (n = 39, BMI-SDS; 4.3 +/- 0.7, age; 13.1 +/- 1.9). At baseline, after 3 months of treatment and at 12 months follow-up, data were collected for BMI-SDS and a European validated questionnaire for assessing HRQOL (DISABKIDS). RESULTS: A significantly reduced BMI-SDS was found for the intervention group after 3 months treatment (4.0 +/- 0.9 versus 4.2 +/- 0.7, p = 0.02) and at 12 months follow-up (3.8 +/- 1.1 versus 4.2 +/- 0.7, p = 0.03). HRQOL in the intervention group was significantly improved at 12 months follow-up and unchanged in the obese control group. Agreement between child and parent report was moderate (67 to 85%), with parents reporting a lower HRQOL for their obese children than children themselves in both groups. CONCLUSION: Multidisciplinary treatment is effective in reducing BMI-SDS and improving HRQOL after 12 months follow-up.

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