An adolescent weight-loss program integrating family variables reduces energy intake.
Family variables such as cohesion and nurturance have been associated with adolescent weight-related health behaviors. Integrating family variables that improve family functioning into traditional weight-loss programs can provide health-related benefits. The current study evaluated a family-based psychoeducational and behavioral skill-building weight-loss program for adolescent girls that integrated Family Systems and Social Cognitive Theories. Forty-two overweight (> or = 95th percentile) female adolescent participants and parents participated in a 16-week randomized controlled trial comparing three groups: multifamily therapy plus psychoeducation (n=15), psychoeducation-only (n=16), or wait list (control; n=11) group. Body mass index, energy intake, and family measures were assessed at baseline and posttreatment. Adolescents in the psychoeducation-only group demonstrated a greater decrease in energy intake compared to the multifamily therapy plus psychoeducation and control groups (P<0.01). Positive changes in family nurturance were associated with lower levels of adolescent energy intake (P<0.05). No significant effects were found for body mass index. Results provide preliminary support for a psychoeducational program that integrates family variables to reduce energy intake in overweight adolescent girls. Results indicate that nurturance can be an important family variable to target in future adolescent weight-loss and dietary programs.
Kitzman-Ulrich
Heather
H
Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, 1233 Washington St, 9th floor, Columbia, SC 29201, USA. kitzman@mailbox.sc.edu
Hampson
Robert
R
Wilson
Dawn K
DK
Presnell
Katherine
K
Brown
Alan
A
O'Boyle
Mary
M
D000293:Adolescent; D017195:Adolescent Nutritional Physiological Phenomena / Q000502:physiology*; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002648:Child; D053198:Child Nutrition Sciences / Q000193:education*; D002149:Energy Intake / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D050177:Overweight / Q000178:diet therapy*; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D010290:Parents / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012944:Social Support; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015431:Weight Loss / Q000502:physiology*