The CEMHaVi program: control, evaluation, and modification of lifestyles in obese youth.
OBJECTIVE
Obesity in children has increased in recent years. Many studies with differing methodologies have been undertaken to treat obesity. The Control, Evaluation, and Modification of Lifestyles in Obese Youth (CEMHaVi) program is a unique 2-year health-wellness program of physical activity and health education for obese youth. Findings of this study represent results at 1-year follow-up. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of the CEMHaVi program.


METHODS
Physician-referred subjects (N = 26) participated in the study, 14 girls (13.4 +/- 2.9 years) and 12 boys (12.3 +/- 2.8 years). Measurements included height, weight, body mass index (BMI), academic performance, sleep habits, and health knowledge. The intervention consisted of a unique program of physical activity, including a variety of games specifically selected to be enjoyable, maintain interest, and motivate subjects to adhere. Activity sessions were offered once per week, 2 hours each session, for 12 months. A health education program was offered once every 3 months for 2 hours per session. Health knowledge, academic performance, self-esteem, and sleep were assessed before and after the intervention. Means were calculated at baseline and following intervention and were compared by paired t tests.


RESULTS
Findings suggest significant improvements in academic performance (P < .001), quality and quantity of sleep (P < .05), and obesity (P < .05).


CONCLUSIONS
The program reduced BMI and improved health knowledge, sleep, and academic performance in obese children. The feasibility of a beneficial lifestyle intervention program is encouraging in addressing obesity and related issues in young boys and girls.
Vanhelst
Jérémy
J
EA 4110, Laboratoire RELACS, Université du Littoral Côte d'Opale, Département STAPS, 190 Avenue Schumann, Dunkerque, France. jeremy.vanhelst@hotmail.fr
Marchand
Frédéric
F
Fardy
Paul
P
Zunquin
Gautier
G
Loeuille
Guy-André
GA
Renaut
Hervé
H
Mikulovic
Jacques
J
Hurdiel
Rémy
R
Béghin
Laurent
L
Theunynck
Denis
D
D000124:Achievement; D000293:Adolescent; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005602:France; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012890:Sleep