Child- and parent-targeted interventions: the Memphis GEMS pilot study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric obesity prevention
• Community-based health interventions
• Health disparities in African-American children

Background:

• Childhood obesity is a significant public health concern, particularly among minority populations.
• African-American girls are at higher risk for excess weight gain during pre-adolescence.
• Culturally tailored interventions are needed to address this health disparity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of two culturally relevant, family-based interventions for preventing excess weight gain.
• To assess outcomes related to healthy eating and physical activity in pre-adolescent African-American girls.
• To inform future large-scale obesity prevention efforts in this demographic.

Main Methods:

• A 12-week, three-arm randomized controlled pilot trial was conducted in community centers.
• Participants included 60 African-American girls (aged 8-10 years) and their parents/caregivers.
• Interventions involved child-targeted or parent-targeted group sessions focusing on nutrition and physical activity, compared to a self-esteem control group.

Main Results:

• The Memphis GEMS pilot intervention successfully met recruitment, retention, and participation goals.
• Girls in both active intervention groups showed a trend towards reduced body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference.
• Significant improvements were observed: 34% reduction in sweetened beverage consumption, 12% increase in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, and 1.5% increase in water intake.

Conclusions:

• Culturally relevant, family-based obesity prevention interventions are feasible and acceptable for pre-adolescent African-American girls.
• These interventions show preliminary efficacy in promoting healthier eating and physical activity behaviors.
• The findings support the development of larger trials to confirm these positive outcomes.