title: Pediatric Obesity Empowerment Model Group Medical Visits (POEM-GMV) as Treatment for Pediatric Obesity in an Underserved Community.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This is a retrospective cohort study to evaluate a novel group medical visit (GMV) program using an empowerment curriculum as treatment for pediatric obesity in a federally qualified community health center.
  
  
  METHODS
  Biometric and self-reported data were reviewed from 417 overweight or obese children ages 5-18 attending the pediatric obesity empowerment model GMV program (POEM-GMV) at least twice during a 3-year period. Variables were evaluated using paired means t-test. Pearson's correlation test was used to evaluate variables and the BMI z-score. Subanalysis by gender was performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The average participant was 10.48 ± 2.53 years old and participated for 301 ± 287 days. BMI z-score reduced from 2.99 ± 0.96 to 2.88 ± 0.88 (p < 0.0001). Overall, 62.6% of participants had improved weight outcome. Statistically significant improvement was noted in stress, exercise, beverage consumption, fast food intake, television viewing, and bedtime. Stress and beverage consumption had the highest correlation with BMI z-score. By sex, 71.4% of boys (n = 196; p < 0.0001) and 54.8% (n = 221; p < 0.014) of girls realized a reduction in BMI z-score, 61.2% (p < 0.001) of boys and 47.1% (p = 0.097) of girls had a reduction in their percent overweight.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  POEM-GMV may be a useful approach in the treatment of pediatric obesity in an underserved community. There were statistically significantly improved outcomes in obesity, especially for boys. Significant improvement was observed in many lifestyle factors associated with obesity. Weight loss most closely correlated with reduced stress levels and sugary beverage consumption. Additional studies are needed to further evaluate the efficacy of POEM-GMV.
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Family Medicine, Greater Lawrence Family Health Center , Lawrence, MA.
authors.forename: Jeffrey S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Geller
authors.affiliation: 2 Department of Alternative Medicine, Greater Lawrence Family Health Center , Lawrence, MA.
authors.forename: Eileen T
authors.initials: ET
authors.lastname: Dube
authors.affiliation: 3 Department of Psychology, Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology , Lawrence, MA.
authors.forename: Glavielinys A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Cruz
authors.affiliation: 4 Department of Physics, University of Massachusetts , Amherst, MA.
authors.forename: Jason
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Stevens
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Family Medicine, Greater Lawrence Family Health Center , Lawrence, MA.
authors.forename: Kara
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Keating Bench
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002648:Child; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D063766:Pediatric Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D011209:Power, Psychological; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D035862:Vulnerable Populations / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015431:Weight Loss