title: The CEMHaVi program: control, evaluation, and modification of lifestyles in obese youth.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: EA 4110, Laboratoire RELACS, Université du Littoral Côte d'Opale, Département STAPS, 190 Avenue Schumann, Dunkerque, France. jeremy.vanhelst@hotmail.fr
authors.forename: Jérémy
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Vanhelst
authors.forename: Frédéric
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Marchand
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Fardy
authors.forename: Gautier
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Zunquin
authors.forename: Guy-André
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Loeuille
authors.forename: Hervé
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Renaut
authors.forename: Jacques
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Mikulovic
authors.forename: Rémy
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hurdiel
authors.forename: Laurent
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Béghin
authors.forename: Denis
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Theunynck
mesh_terms: 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