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Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report
Published on: May 30, 2025
Preventing risk for obesity by promoting self-regulation and decision-making skills: pilot results from the PATHWAYS
Nathaniel R Riggs1, Kari-Lyn Kobayakawa Sakuma, Mary Ann Pentz
1University of Southern California, USA.
Abstract:
The overall aim of the two school-based pilot studies was to evaluate whether an approach to prevention that focused on changing child impulse control, decision making, and social competence can be effective in changing attitudes toward food intake and physical activity as risk factors for obesity. The strategy used was to translate specific components of one evidence-based program for violence prevention (Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies: PATHS) into an elementary school curriculum program for obesity prevention. Both studies demonstrated significant changes in positive attitudes toward self-regulation of appetitive behavior. In addition, Study 2 demonstrated positive changes in actual food choices and television viewing patterns. Implications are that comprehensive efforts to prevent youth risk for obesity should include as one component school-based curricula that target self-regulation and decision-making skills.
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