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WATCH IT: a community based programme for obese children and adolescents

M Rudolf1, D Christie, S McElhone

  • 1University of Leeds and East Leeds PCT, Leeds, UK. mary.rudolf@leedsth.nhs.uk

Archives of Disease in Childhood
|March 15, 2006
PubMed

Insights

The WATCH IT program successfully reduced overweight in obese children from disadvantaged communities. This community-based intervention improved quality of life and was cost-effective.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Obesity
  • Community Health Programs
  • Public Health Interventions

Background:

  • The WATCH IT program was established in January 2004 to support obese children in disadvantaged Leeds communities.
  • This study presents results from the pilot phase preceding a randomized controlled trial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of the WATCH IT program for childhood obesity.
  • To assess user satisfaction and clinical outcomes in a community-based setting.

Main Methods:

  • A process evaluation utilized semi-structured interviews and focus groups with parents and children.
  • Body Mass Index (BMI) standard deviation (SD) scores were tracked for children attending between January 2004 and November 2005.
  • Attendance rates and dropout numbers were recorded to assess program engagement.

Main Results:

  • Ninety-four moderately to severely obese children (mean BMI SDS 3.09) participated.
  • A significant reduction in overweight was observed at 6 months (DeltaBMI SD -0.07), particularly in teenagers and girls.
  • The program demonstrated successful implementation with high attendance and positive qualitative feedback, including increased self-confidence and friendships.

Conclusions:

  • The WATCH IT program serves as a viable model for community-based childhood obesity services.
  • The findings suggest that health trainers, supervised by health professionals, can deliver effective and potentially cost-effective care.
  • Further validation through randomized controlled trials and expansion to other locations is recommended.
Abstract

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