The effects of the Odense Overweight Intervention Study

Aim: The primary aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of the Odense Overweight Intervention Study on BMI development.
Methods: The OOIS is a semi-blinded randomized controlled trial with three measurement occasions. Participants were allocated into two intervention arms; a day camp intervention arm (DCIA) and a standard intervention arm (SIA). For the DCIA the camp lasted for six weeks and consisted of fun-based physical activities, healthy eating, and health classes. The following 10 months a family based intervention was accomplished. The SIA was offered a weekly activity session lasting 1 – 2 hours for six weeks. The primary outcome is BMI. Secondary outcomes are BMI z-scores, fat percentage by DXA scanner and a composite metabolic risk z-score.
Results: At 6 and 52 weeks follow up the DCIA has 2.2 and 1.2 lower BMI than the SIA, respectively. The same pattern is seen in favor of the DCIA in BMI z-score, clustered risk z-score, systolic blood pressure, abdominal fat-%, waist circumference, cardiorespiratory fitness, and total cholesterol/HDL ratio. In body fat-%, waist circumference and triglycerides, there is only a significant group difference at 6 weeks and not at 52 weeks.
Conclusions: The DCIA has a clear positive health effect in key parameters; BMI, BMI z-score, body fat-%, and clustered risk. The effect is pronounced at 6 weeks and, though reduced, still present after 52 weeks. The results of the study shows the potential of an activity camp as a basis for health change, and the model can potentially be implemented in other regions as well.