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Published on: August 21, 2015
Structured Dietary Interventions in the Treatment of Severe Pediatric Obesity: A Pilot Study
Melissa A Kalarchian1, Michele D Levine1, Marsha D Marcus1
1Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center , 3811 O'Hara Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Insights
Structured dietary interventions show promise for treating severe pediatric obesity. Both menu plans alone and with meals reduced children's body mass index (BMI).
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Nutritional Science
- Obesity Research
Background:
- Limited research exists on structured dietary interventions for pediatric obesity.
- Family-based treatment is a common approach for severe pediatric obesity.
- This study explored structured dietary approaches to enhance existing treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of structured dietary interventions for severe pediatric obesity.
- To evaluate the impact of individualized menu plans on children's BMI.
- To determine if providing meals alongside menus enhances outcomes.
Main Methods:
- An uncontrolled pilot study involving children aged 8-12 years and a parent/guardian.
- Two intervention groups: individualized menu plans (MENU) or menu plans plus meals/snacks (MENU+MEAL).
- Families received weekly reimbursement for food costs.
Main Results:
- Both MENU and MENU+MEAL groups showed significant reductions in body mass index (BMI).
- Median BMI change was -1.2 kg/m² for MENU and -1.8 kg/m² for MENU+MEAL.
- The interventions were found to be acceptable to participating families.
Conclusions:
- Structured dietary interventions are a viable component of severe pediatric obesity treatment.
- These approaches demonstrate potential for improving health outcomes in children.
- Further research and development are warranted for these interventions.
Background:
Structured dietary interventions have been associated with improved outcomes in adult weight-control programs, but virtually no research has focused on children. Thus, we conducted an uncontrolled pilot study to determine the potential utility of structured approaches to enhance the dietary component of family-based treatment of severe pediatric obesity (body mass index [BMI] >97th percentile for age and sex).
Method:
Children aged 8-12 years participated with a parent or guardian. Individualized menu plans were provided (MENU, n=12) alone, or along with meals and snacks for the child (MENU+MEAL, n=6). All families received up to $30/week reimbursement for foods included in the menus.
Results:
Median BMI change was -1.2 kg/m2 for MENU (n=12), and -1.8 kg/m2 for MENU+MEAL (n=6). Both approaches were associated with significant reductions in BMI (p<0.05).
Conclusion:
Structured dietary interventions for severe pediatric obesity are acceptable to families and warrant further development.
