Feasibility of a hospital-based, family-centered intervention to reduce weight gain in overweight children and adolescents.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effects of a hospital-based, family-centered lifestyle program (Kids N Fitness) on weight and health in overweight 7-17-year-old children.


METHODS
The Kids N Fitness program consisting of up to twelve 90-min sessions was conducted in an outpatient setting. The program comprised interactive nutrition and exercise sessions with behavior modification. Subjects completed a logbook and child's health questionnaire. Measures and surveys were taken before, during, and after the program.


METHODS
Two hundred and sixty-four overweight children (137 female, 73% Hispanic), mean age 11.5+/-2.1 years, with body mass index (BMI)=85th percentile, no physical limitations, and attendance of >or=50% of sessions. A subgroup of 115 children was observed for up to 6 months prior to program. INTERVENTION RESULTS: Weight and BMI velocity, and BMI, and BMI z-score were lower during the program than during the pre-program observation period. Compared, subjects in the 12-week program had significantly reduced gains in weight and greater losses in body mass index, than in 8 weeks. Improvements in emotional well-being and behavior correlated positively with weight loss (p=0.005).


CONCLUSIONS
Positive health outcomes suggest that family-centered programs, stressing healthy eating strategies, participation in team-oriented physical activities, and behavior modification, are effective in improving weight dynamics and psychological functioning.
Dreimane
Daina
D
Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA. ddreimane@chla.usc.edu
Safani
David
D
MacKenzie
Marsha
M
Halvorson
Mary
M
Braun
Sharon
S
Conrad
Barry
B
Kaufman
Francine
F
D000293:Adolescent; D001794:Blood Pressure; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002648:Child; D053198:Child Nutrition Sciences; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D004032:Diet; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D006630:Hispanic or Latino; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D050177:Overweight; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000191:economics; D018579:Patient Selection; D010809:Physical Fitness; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D015430:Weight Gain