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Published on: August 21, 2015
Developing a Treatment Program for Obesity in Preschool Age Children: Preliminary Data.
Richard E Boles1, Cynthia Scharf, Lori J Stark
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado.
Summary
This study explored a behavioral program for overweight preschoolers, using clinic and home visits. Completers showed reduced BMI, suggesting home visits enhance childhood obesity interventions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Behavioral Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Childhood obesity is a growing public health concern.
- Preschoolers above the 95th BMI percentile require effective weight management interventions.
- Parental involvement is crucial for successful childhood weight management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of a behavioral intervention for overweight preschoolers.
- To evaluate the impact of clinic and home visitations on weight management.
- To determine the effectiveness of a 24-week program targeting dietary habits and physical activity.
Main Methods:
- A 24-week behavioral weight management program was implemented for 5 families with preschool children (ages 2-5) and an overweight parent.
- The program included intensive treatment (12 weekly sessions) and maintenance (6 bi-weekly sessions), alternating between clinic and home settings.
- Intervention focused on parental training in behavior management, dietary changes, and increasing physical activity, with home visits targeting the food environment.
Main Results:
- Three participants completed the program; two did not.
- Treatment completers demonstrated reductions in zBMI and percent overweight.
- Non-completers showed an increase in percent overweight and maintained zBMI at follow-up.
Conclusions:
- The behavioral intervention shows initial promise for managing overweight in preschool children.
- Home visitations appear to enhance intervention effectiveness by modifying the home food environment.
- Further research is warranted to optimize this approach for childhood obesity prevention and treatment.
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