Parent reported inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity as predictor of long-term weight loss after inpatient treatment in obese adolescents

Objective: The long-term success of treatment for pediatric obesity is often unsatisfactory and variable. We aim to elucidate the influence of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity on weight loss after inpatient treatment for adolescent obesity. Method: We included 13–17 year old obese participants treated in three inpatient multidisciplinary treatment centers. At the beginning and end of treatment and at one year follow-up weight and height were measured. Inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity was assessed with the hyperactivity/inattention (HI) subscale of the parent-rated Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. General linear models were used with the standard deviation scores of the &n4;body mass index (BMI-SDS) as dependent variable. Results: Totally, 253 participants were included (65% female, age: 15.3 ± 1.4 years, baseline BMI-SDS: 3.13 ± 0.38 kg/m2). HI scores were associated with long-term (p < .001) but not short term (ns) weight loss. Discussion: This indicates that inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity is associated with reduced long-term weight loss success in adolescent inpatients. © 2012 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2013)