title: Comparison of a condensed 12-week version and a 24-week version of a family-based pediatric weight management program.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The current study compares the effectiveness of a condensed 12-week version and a 24-week version of the same pediatric behavioral weight management program.
  
  
  METHODS
  Children (n=162) between the ages of 8 and 18 years (baseline BMIz=2.39; standard deviation=0.29) were randomized to either a 12- or 24-week version of the same behavioral weight management program. Child anthropometric data were recorded at baseline, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 24 weeks, and 12 months. A two-level longitudinal model was used to examine within- and between-group differences in BMIz change over time.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A significant group-by-time interaction was found (β=-0.01; standard error, <0.01; p<0.01) with the 24-week group showing greater reductions in BMIz. Children in the 24-week group showed significant BMIz reductions over time (z=-5.18; p<0.01), but children in the 12-week group did not (z=-0.85; p=0.39).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Children in the 24-week program demonstrated greater reductions in BMIz than children in the 12-week group. Therefore, there may be additional benefit to sessions above and beyond the 8- to 12-week minimum suggested for pediatric weight management programs.
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Pediatrics, Developmental and Behavioral Sciences, Children's Mercy Kansas City , Kansas City, MO.
authors.forename: Meredith L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Dreyer Gillette
authors.forename: Cathleen
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Odar Stough
authors.forename: Cora M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Best
authors.forename: Amy R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Beck
authors.forename: Sarah E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Hampl
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002648:Child; D005192:Family Health; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D063766:Pediatric Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D015431:Weight Loss; D061217:Weight Reduction Programs