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Outcomes from a Pediatric Primary Care Weight Management Program: Steps to Growing Up Healthy

Michelle M Cloutier1, James Wiley2, Tania Huedo-Medina3

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT; Children's Center for Community Research, Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Hartford, CT.

The Journal of Pediatrics
|June 16, 2015
PubMed

Insights

A brief obesity prevention program for young children significantly reduced the rate of increase in Body Mass Index (BMI) percentile. This intervention proved effective in urban minority preschoolers, particularly those with normal weight.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Public Health
  • Obesity Prevention
  • Behavioral Science

Background:

  • Childhood obesity is a significant public health concern, particularly in urban minority populations.
  • Preschool-age children are a critical window for establishing healthy habits.
  • Evidence-based interventions are needed to address obesogenic behaviors in early childhood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effectiveness of the 'Steps to Growing Up Healthy' intervention.
  • To assess the intervention's impact on obesity prevention in urban, minority, preschool-age children.
  • To examine changes in Body Mass Index (BMI) percentile and specific obesogenic behaviors.

Main Methods:

  • A brief (3-5 minute) evidence-based intervention was delivered by pediatric clinicians during regular visits.
  • The intervention targeted four key behaviors: milk intake, sugar-sweetened beverage/juice consumption, screen time, and physical activity.
  • Intervention components included a written contract, self-monitoring calendar, and telephone follow-up, compared against a historical control group over 12 months.

Main Results:

  • The intervention group showed a decrease in BMI percentile (-0.33), while the control group showed an increase (8.75) over 12 months (P < .001).
  • In children with an initial BMI below the 85th percentile, the intervention group maintained stable BMI percentile, unlike the control group (P < .01).
  • Significant reductions in juice and milk consumption were observed in the intervention group (P < .001).

Conclusions:

  • A brief, multi-component intervention effectively reduced the rate of BMI percentile increase in young children.
  • The intervention, including a contract and follow-up, was particularly beneficial for normal-weight children.
  • Targeting key obesogenic behaviors in early childhood can be achieved through primary care settings.
Abstract

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