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Stage 1 treatment of pediatric overweight and obesity: a pilot and feasibility randomized controlled trial

Steven D Stovitz1, Jerica M Berge, Rachel J Wetzsteon

  • 11 Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, MN.

Childhood Obesity (Print)
|January 14, 2014
PubMed

Insights

This study tested the first stage of pediatric obesity treatment in children aged 4-9. The intervention showed feasibility and potential benefits for BMI and behavior, supporting further research into multi-stage obesity management.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Public Health
  • Behavioral Science

Background:

  • Staged clinical treatment protocols for pediatric obesity are recommended but lack empirical testing.
  • Understanding the effectiveness of the initial, least intensive treatment stage is crucial for developing comprehensive management strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of the lowest intensity stage of a recommended pediatric obesity treatment program.
  • To compare changes in BMI z-score and behavioral issues in children receiving the intervention versus a control group.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized controlled trial involving children aged 4 to <9 years with a BMI at or above the 85th percentile.
  • Intervention based on the "Prevention plus, Stage 1" model.
  • Intent-to-treat (ITT) analysis compared changes in BMI z-score and parental-reported behavioral issues over 3 months.

Main Results:

  • Enrollment included 72 children, with 64 completing the 3-month follow-up.
  • Both groups showed improvement in mean BMI z-score, with the intervention group demonstrating a slightly greater adjusted change (-0.04 vs. -0.07).
  • Over half of children in both groups improved their BMI z-score; the intervention group had a higher proportion of improvement (72% vs. 55%).
  • The intervention group showed comparative improvements in several behavioral indicators.

Conclusions:

  • The initial stage of current pediatric obesity treatment recommendations is feasible to implement in primary care.
  • This lowest intensity intervention may offer benefits for lifestyle changes and behavioral outcomes in children.
  • Findings provide a basis for future research protocols testing comprehensive, multi-staged approaches for pediatric overweight and obesity.
Abstract

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