Adolescents seeking weight management: who is putting their hand up and what are they looking for?
We describe the characteristics of adolescents seeking treatment for obesity via the 'Eat Smart' feasibility study; an intensive 12 week dietitian-led weight management programme with an emphasis on lifestyle change. It was designed to test the feasibility of a structured low-fat diet compared with a semi-structured reduced carbohydrate plan compared with a model of 'standard care'- an unstructured low fat approach. When compared with non-participants, participants were predominantly female and lived in lower socioeconomic areas. When given the choice of dietary approach, 50% elected reduced dietary carbohydrate, 43% structured low fat and 7% chose 'standard care'. Modest weight loss was achieved over 12 weeks, with both the structured low fat and reduced carbohydrate formats. Families showed a strong preference for structured eating plans, in particular seeking assistance with correct portion size. The current standard model of unstructured advice was both unpopular and relatively unsuccessful.
Truby
Helen
H
Nutrition and Dietetics, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia. helen.truby@med.monash.edu.au
Baxter
Kim
K
Elliott
Sarah
S
Warren
Janet
J
Davies
Peter
P
Batch
Jennifer
J
D000293:Adolescent; D015992:Body Mass Index; D015897:Comorbidity; D050528:Diet, Carbohydrate-Restricted / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology; D018752:Diet, Fat-Restricted / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D011793:Queensland; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D059039:Standard of Care; D015431:Weight Loss / Q000502:physiology