Feasibility of a hospital-based, family-centered intervention to reduce weight gain in overweight children and adolescents

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of a hospital-based, family-centered lifestyle program (Kids N Fitness©) on weight and health in overweight 7–17-year-old children.DesignThe Kids N Fitness© program consisting of up to twelve 90-min sessions was conducted in an outpatient setting. The program comprised interactive nutrition and exercise sessions with behavior modification. Subjects completed a logbook and child's health questionnaire. Measures and surveys were taken before, during, and after the program.ParticipantsTwo hundred and sixty-four overweight children (137 female, 73% Hispanic), mean age 11.5 ± 2.1 years, with body mass index (BMI) = 85th percentile, no physical limitations, and attendance of ≥50% of sessions. A subgroup of 115 children was observed for up to 6 months prior to program.Intervention resultsWeight and BMI velocity, and BMI, and BMI z-score were lower during the program than during the pre-program observation period. Compared, subjects in the 12-week program had significantly reduced gains in weight and greater losses in body mass index, than in 8 weeks. Improvements in emotional well-being and behavior correlated positively with weight loss (p = 0.005).ConclusionsPositive health outcomes suggest that family-centered programs, stressing healthy eating strategies, participation in team-oriented physical activities, and behavior modification, are effective in improving weight dynamics and psychological functioning.