Behavioral weight control treatment with supervised exercise or peer-enhanced adventure for overweight adolescents.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of behavioral weight control intervention with a peer-enhanced activity intervention versus structured aerobic exercise in decreasing body mass index (BMI) and z-BMI in overweight adolescents.


METHODS
Participants were randomized to 1 of 2 group-based treatment conditions: (1) cognitive behavioral treatment with peer-enhanced adventure therapy or (2) cognitive behavioral weight control treatment with supervised aerobic exercise. Participants included 118 overweight adolescents, ages 13 to 16 years, and a primary caregiver. Changes in BMI, standardized BMI, percent over BMI, and waist circumference were examined.


RESULTS
Analysis of variance on the basis of intent-to-treat indicated significant decreases in all weight change outcomes at the end of treatment, with significant decreases maintained at the 12-month follow-up. No differences in treatment conditions were observed. Secondary analyses indicated that adherence with attendance and completion of weekly diet records contributed significantly to reductions in BMI.


CONCLUSIONS
A cognitive behavioral weight control intervention combined with supervised aerobic exercise or peer-enhanced adventure therapy is equally effective in short-term reduction of BMI and z-BMI in overweight adolescents. Adherence, as measured with session attendance and self-monitoring, is a key dimension of weight change.
Jelalian
Elissa
E
Department of Psychiatry, Rhode Island Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA. Elissa_Jelalian@brown.edu
Lloyd-Richardson
Elizabeth E
EE
Mehlenbeck
Robyn S
RS
Hart
Chantelle N
CN
Flynn-O'Brien
Katherine
K
Kaplan
Jamie
J
Neill
Meghan
M
Wing
Rena R
RR
D000293:Adolescent; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D050177:Overweight / Q000628:therapy*; D010379:Peer Group