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OBJECTIVE. We conducted a proof-of-concept, randomized, controlled trial to investigate the effects of a supervised exercise therapy intervention on psychopathologic outcomes in obese adolescents.

METHODS. The participant sample consisted of 81 adolescents (age: 11–16 years) who had been referred to a children's hospital for evaluation of obesity or who responded to a community advertisement. Participants were assigned randomly to exercise therapy, an equal-contact exercise placebo intervention, or usual care. Intervention participants attended 3 one-on-one sessions per week for 8 weeks and then completed a home program for another 6 weeks. Outcomes included self-perceptions (self-esteem), depression, affect, physical activity, aerobic fitness, and BMI.

RESULTS. A total of 18 of 81 participants were categorized as morbidly obese (BMI SD score: >3.5; adult equivalent BMI: ≥40). At …