Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026

Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report
Published on: May 30, 2025
Treatment of adolescent obesity comparing self-guided and group lifestyle modification programs: a potential model
Robert I Berkowitz1, Margaret R Rukstalis, Chanelle T Bishop-Gilyard
1MD, The Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3440 Market Street, Suite 200, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. berkowitz@email.chop.edu.
Abstract:
Lifestyle modification programs (LMP) for weight loss in adolescents with obesity are effective but not available. Primary care may be a setting for reaching more adolescents. Two models of LMP for use in primary care were examined. Adolescents and caregivers enrolled in a 1-year randomized trial comparing Group LMP with Self-Guided LMP. All participants (N = 169) received the same treatment recommendations and met with a health coach six times in clinic. Group LMP participants had an additional 17 group sessions; those in Self-Guided LMP followed the remainder of the program at home with parental support. The primary outcome was percentage change in initial body mass index. The mean (SE) 1.31% (0.95%) reduction in Group LMP did not differ significantly from the 1.17% (0.99%) decrease in the Self-Guided LMP (p = 0.92). Both treatments were significantly effective in reducing body mass index. Given its brevity, the Self-Guided LMP offers an innovative approach for primary care.
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