title: Family-based behavioural treatment of obesity: acceptability and effectiveness in the UK.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the acceptability and impact of family-based behavioural treatment (FBBT) for childhood obesity in a clinical setting in the UK.
  
  
  METHODS
  Pre- and post-treatment assessment for four consecutive treatment groups.
  
  
  METHODS
  Treatment groups took place at Great Ormond Street Hospital, London.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants were 33 families with obese (BMI >or=98th centile for age and sex) children aged 8-13 years.
  
  
  METHODS
  FBBT was delivered over 12 sessions.
  
  
  METHODS
  Overweight (percentage BMI), self-esteem, mood and eating attitudes were assessed before and after treatment; overweight was re-assessed at 3-month follow-up for those who completed treatment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The FBBT programme materials translated easily to the UK setting and the programme was well-liked by participants. Twenty-seven out of 33 families (82%) completed the sessions. Children lost 8.4% BMI over the time of treatment, and this was maintained at 3-month follow-up. Self-esteem and depression improved significantly and there was no change in food pre-occupation, anorexia or bulimia on the ChEAT.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These results establish that FBBT is feasible and acceptable in a clinical setting in Britain. They indicate that significant loss of overweight can be achieved using the programme without adverse psychological consequences.
authors.affiliation: Cancer Research Health Behaviour Unit, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, UK.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Edwards
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Nicholls
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Croker
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Van Zyl
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Viner
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wardle
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D002666:Psychology, Child; D012649:Self Concept; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D006113:United Kingdom; D015431:Weight Loss