A Tailored Family-Based Obesity Intervention: A Randomized Trial

Area of Science:

• Pediatric obesity research
• Behavioral intervention studies
• Public health initiatives

Background:

• Childhood obesity is a significant public health concern.
• Effective, scalable interventions are needed to manage excessive weight in children.
• Family-based approaches show promise in pediatric weight management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a 2-year family-based intervention with frequent contact and limited expert involvement in reducing excessive weight in children.
• To compare a tailored package (TP) intervention against usual care (UC).

Main Methods:

• Randomized controlled trial involving 206 overweight/obese children (4-8 years).
• Intervention group (TP) received a single multidisciplinary session followed by monthly mentor support.
• Control group (UC) received baseline and 6-month feedback and advice.
• Measurements included anthropometry, diet, and physical activity at 0, 12, and 24 months.

Main Results:

• The tailored package (TP) group showed significantly lower BMI, BMI z score, and waist circumference at 24 months compared to usual care (UC).
• TP children exhibited increased fruit and vegetable intake, decreased non-core food consumption, and reduced non-core food availability at home.
• TP children also demonstrated increased physical activity levels.

Conclusions:

• Frequent, low-dose family-based support is effective in reducing excessive weight in overweight children over two years.
• The tailored package (TP) intervention offers a feasible model for integration into primary care settings.
• This intervention successfully improved dietary habits and physical activity without negatively impacting other child or family factors.