Effects of Three Different Family-Based Interventions in Overweight and Obese Children: The "4 Your Family"...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Public Health Nutrition
• Behavioral Medicine

Background:

• Childhood overweight and obesity rates have significantly increased globally.
• Family-based interventions are a promising strategy to address pediatric obesity.
• Evaluating different delivery methods of family interventions is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of three family-based intervention formats for childhood overweight and obesity.
• Interventions included group-based, individual-based, and website-delivered approaches.
• To assess impacts on anthropometric, dietary, physical activity, and screen time outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 115 overweight or obese children aged 8-12 years.
• Participants were allocated to group, individual, or website interventions.
• Outcomes measured included body weight, BMI-z-score, total body fat percentage (%TBF), physical activity, and screen time.

Main Results:

• All interventions led to significant improvements in body weight, BMI-z-score, physical activity, and screen time.
• Groups 2 (individual) and 3 (website) showed significant reductions in %TBF.
• Group 3 demonstrated greater changes in body weight and %TBF, while Group 2 showed superior improvements in BMI-z-score, screen time, and health behaviors.

Conclusions:

• Personalized family-based interventions are effective in improving children's lifestyle and weight status.
• Both individual and website-delivered interventions offer distinct advantages for specific outcomes.
• Tailored approaches are recommended for successful childhood obesity management.