Problem solving in the treatment of childhood obesity

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Updated: Oct 13, 2026

Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report
05:10

Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report

Published on: May 30, 2025

L H Epstein1, R A Paluch, C C Gordy

  • 1Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo, New York 14260-4110, USA. lhenet@acsu.buffalo.edu

Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology
|August 31, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Problem-solving interventions did not improve weight control in obese children compared to standard family-based treatment. Standard care led to greater body mass index (BMI) reductions over two years.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric obesity research
  • Behavioral health interventions
  • Family-based treatment studies

Background:

  • Childhood obesity is a significant public health concern requiring effective interventions.
  • Family-based behavioral programs are a common approach for pediatric weight management.
  • The added benefit of specific problem-solving components needs evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the effectiveness of adding parent and child problem-solving to a family-based weight-control program.
  • To compare outcomes between different problem-solving intervention groups and standard treatment.
  • To evaluate the impact on body mass index (BMI), child behavior, and parental distress.

Main Methods:

  • Randomized controlled trial involving 67 families with obese children.
  • Interventions included a 6-month program with variations in problem-solving components (parent + child, child only, standard).
  • Outcomes measured included BMI changes, child behavior problems, and parental distress over two years.

Main Results:

  • The standard treatment group showed greater BMI decreases than the parent + child group at two years.
  • Significant improvements in child behavior and parental distress were observed across groups over time.
  • Problem-solving skills increased, but not differentially in ways that enhanced overall treatment effectiveness.

Conclusions:

  • Problem-solving components did not significantly enhance the effectiveness of family-based behavioral weight-control treatment for obese children.
  • Standard family-based treatment alone demonstrated comparable or superior outcomes in BMI reduction.
  • Further research may explore tailored approaches for specific behavioral or psychological challenges in pediatric obesity.

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