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

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.