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Cost-effectiveness of a day-camp weight-loss intervention programme for children: Results based on a randomised
Kristian Traberg Larsen1, Tao Huang2, Niels Christian Møller1
11 Centre of Research in Childhood Health (RICH), Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark.
Insights
An intensive weight-loss camp intervention for children showed favorable effects on BMI and BMI z-score after 12 months compared to a low-intensity program. However, the intensive intervention was more costly.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Public Health Interventions
- Health Economics
Background:
- Childhood obesity is a significant public health concern requiring effective interventions.
- Comparing the cost-effectiveness of intensive versus low-intensity weight-loss programs is crucial for resource allocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the cost-effectiveness of an intensive weight-loss intervention for children compared to a low-intensity intervention.
- To provide data for decision-makers regarding pediatric weight management strategies.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 115 overweight children (mean age 12.0 years).
- Interventions included a six-week day-camp program followed by family support versus a six-week exercise program.
- Outcomes measured were changes in Body Mass Index (BMI) and BMI z-score at 12 months, with cost-effectiveness analyzed using Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratios (ICERs).
Main Results:
- The intensive camp intervention group (CG) showed a greater reduction in mean BMI (-1.2 points) and BMI z-score (-0.20) compared to the standard group (SG) after 12 months.
- The Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratio (ICER) for the CG compared to the SG was DDK 24,928 per decreased BMI point.
- The intensive intervention yielded favorable effects but incurred higher costs.
Conclusions:
- The intensive weight-loss camp intervention demonstrated superior efficacy in improving pediatric BMI and BMI z-score over 12 months compared to the standard intervention.
- While effective, the intensive program's higher cost necessitates careful consideration by healthcare providers and policymakers.
- These findings can inform evidence-based decisions on selecting pediatric weight management interventions.
Aims:
The aim was to analyse the cost-effectiveness of an intensive weight-loss intervention for children compared with a low-intensity intervention.
Methods:
One hundred and fifteen overweight children (mean age 12.0 ± 0.4) were randomised to either the camp group (CG) ( N=59) or the standard group (SG) ( N=56). Participants in the CG were offered a six-week day-camp weight-loss programme followed by a family-based supportive programme containing four meetings during the succeeding 46 weeks. Participants in the SG were offered a weekly two-hour exercise session for six weeks. Changes in body mass index (BMI) and BMI z-score 12 months after inclusion were used to compare the effects of the two interventions. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER) were estimated from the perspective of a Danish municipality. To achieve the required number of participants, an additional intervention was initiated one year later.
Results:
In comparison with the SG, the CG changed their mean BMI by -1.2 (95% CI -1.8 to -0.5). Compared with the SG children, the CG children changed their BMI z-score by -0.20 (95% CI -0.35 to -0.05). The ICER per decreased BMI point in the CG compared with the SG was DDK 24,928.
Conclusions:
Compared with the SG, the CG showed favourable effects after 12 months. However, the CG was more costly. The results observed in the present study may be helpful in guiding decision makers to take more informed decisions when choosing different types of intervention.
