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A pilot randomized controlled trial of a clinic and home-based behavioral intervention to decrease obesity in

Lori J Stark1, Stephanie Spear, Richard Boles

  • 1Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. lori.stark@cchmc.org

Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.)
|April 17, 2010
PubMed

Insights

A family-based behavioral intervention (LAUNCH) significantly reduced obesity in preschool children compared to standard care. This intensive approach improved child BMI and parent weight loss, showing lasting effects at follow-up.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health
  • Behavioral Science

Background:

  • Childhood obesity is a significant public health concern requiring effective interventions.
  • Preschool-aged children with obesity and their overweight parents are a target population for early intervention.
  • Current primary care approaches may lack the intensity needed for substantial obesity reduction.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of a clinic and home-based behavioral intervention (LAUNCH) for reducing obesity in preschool children.
  • To compare the LAUNCH intervention with enhanced standard care (Pediatrician Counseling; PC).
  • To assess the long-term effects of the intervention at 12-month follow-up.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized controlled trial involving 18 preschool children (aged 2-5 years) with BMI ≥95th percentile and an overweight parent.
  • Intervention group received the LAUNCH program, a family-based behavioral intervention focusing on nutrition and activity.
  • Control group received one-time Pediatrician Counseling (PC) with diet and activity recommendations.

Main Results:

  • The LAUNCH intervention resulted in significantly greater reductions in child BMI z-score, BMI percentile, and weight gain at 6 and 12 months compared to PC.
  • Parents in the LAUNCH group experienced significantly greater weight loss at both 6 and 12 months.
  • The positive effects of the LAUNCH intervention were maintained at the 12-month follow-up.

Conclusions:

  • An intensive, family-based behavioral intervention incorporating child behavior management strategies is more effective for reducing preschool obesity than low-intensity counseling.
  • The LAUNCH program demonstrates promise for sustainable obesity reduction in young children and their families.
  • Findings suggest that intensive interventions may be necessary for significant and lasting impact on childhood obesity in primary care settings.

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