Funded Projects

Effectiveness of a treatment for pediatric obesity

Grantee: University of Kansas
Principal Investigator: Ric G. Steele
Project Number: R40MC06631
Project Date: 01/01/2006

Final Report

Effectiveness of a treatment for pediatric obesity Final Report (PDF)

Age group(s)

• Toddlerhood (13-35 months)
• Middle Childhood (6-11 years)
• Adolescence (12-18 years)

Abstract

The prevalence and incidence of pediatric obesity has been increasing at an alarming rate. More than twice the number of children and adolescents are obese today as compared to 20 years ago, and children are becoming obese at earlier ages. Children with obesity are at risk for a variety of concurrent physical and mental health problems. Further, children who are obese are more likely to become adults who are obese, resulting in increased risk for premature mortality as well as decreased relational and social quality of life. The pediatric obesity literature suggests a number of efficacious treatment components. However, the literature is limited in that few studies have examined the clinical effectiveness of these interventions in a "real-world" setting. Rather, the generalizability of research findings is constrained by sample characteristics and recruitment methods that may not reflect clinical practice. Further, outcomes have typically not included broad measures of quality of life, client satisfaction, and cost-benefit information, all of which have been recommended for effectiveness studies. The proposed investigation is designed to contribute to MCHB Strategic Research Issue #4 by studying the effectiveness of a family-based intervention to promote healthy weight and treat obesity in children and adolescence, as well as cost-effectiveness and consumer satisfaction. Exploratory aims include the examination of specific predictors of adherence to treatment. The proposed investigation utilizes a randomized clinical trial to insure maximum internal reliability. Participants will include 120 children and their parents who are seeking treatment for pediatric obesity at two university based outpatient clinics. Participants will be randomly assigned to immediate treatment or waitlist control conditions. Results will provide evidence of the clinical effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and consumer satisfaction of the intervention, all of which will help with the translation of empirically supported therapies into clinical practice. Further, results will delineate specific factors related to participant adherence that may be targeted as components of therapy in future efficacy studies.