Family-based group treatment versus individual treatment in the management of childhood obesity: randomized, prospective clinical trial.
BACKGROUND
This study assessed the short- and long-term effects of a 3-month family-based group treatment in the management of childhood obesity versus individual treatment.


METHODS
Eighty obese children, aged between 6 and 14 years, and their parents were included in this prospective controlled clinical study. Forty participants were randomly assigned for group treatment and the other 40 for individual treatment. A 3-month intervention program was focused on implementing healthy eating behaviors. The weight and height of the children were measured initially and at each treatment session and at follow-up visits. Body mass index was calculated and expressed as standard deviation score.


CONCLUSIONS
At the end of 3-month treatment program, there was a significant decline in BMI SDS in both groups (p < 0.001). After 1 year of follow-up period, there was still a significant decrease in BMI SDS in the study group (p < 0.001), whereas the decrease in BMI SDS was not maintained over the follow-up period in the standard group. There was a significantly increased consumption of vegetable and fruit and reduced consumption of carbonated drinks and fruit juice in both groups (p < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
These findings demonstrate that the group treatment is more successful than the individual treatment in the management of childhood obesity.
Garipağaoğlu
Muazzez
M
Institute of Child Health, Istanbul University, 34390-Capa, Istanbul, Turkey. mgaripagaoglu@hotmail.com
Sahip
Yusuf
Y
Darendeliler
Feyza
F
Akdikmen
Oznur
O
Kopuz
Sibel
S
Sut
Necdet
N
D000293:Adolescent; D000886:Anthropometry; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002648:Child; D005196:Family Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000628:therapy*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors