Adolescent obesity intervention: validation of the SHAPEDOWN program

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Behavioral Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Adolescent obesity is a growing public health concern requiring effective, sustainable interventions.
• Previous interventions often rely on restrictive diets, which can be difficult to maintain.
• The SHAPEDOWN program offers a cognitive, behavioral, and affective approach to weight management for adolescents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the 15-month effectiveness of the SHAPEDOWN adolescent obesity intervention.
• To compare outcomes between adolescents in the intervention group and a control group.
• To assess the sustainability and transferability of the intervention.

Main Methods:

• A randomized experimental design study was conducted with 66 adolescents across four sites.
• The intervention group (n=37) received the SHAPEDOWN program, while the control group (n=29) received no treatment.
• Data were collected at baseline, post-treatment, and 1-year follow-up.

Main Results:

• The SHAPEDOWN group showed significant improvements in relative weight, weight-related behaviors, depression, and weight management knowledge.
• Relative weight change in the intervention group was -9.9% compared to -0.10% in the control group.
• At 15 months, the intervention group lost an average of 5.15 kg more than the control group; self-esteem improved in both groups.

Conclusions:

• The SHAPEDOWN program demonstrates significant and long-term positive outcomes for obese adolescents.
• The intervention's focus on sustainable lifestyle modifications avoids restrictive diets and involves parental support.
• The program's effectiveness and transferability suggest its potential for broader implementation in diverse settings.