Targeting parents along with overweight kids benefits both

Targeting parents along with overweight kids benefits both

(HealthDay)—Using a behavioral intervention to target preschool-aged overweight children and their parents is efficacious for both children and parents, according to a study published online July 21 in Pediatrics.

Teresa Quattrin, M.D., from the University at Buffalo in New York, and colleagues tested the effect of a behavioral intervention that targeted an overweight child and parent versus an information control targeting only in the child. A cohort of 96 2- to 5-year-old children with a (BMI) ≥85th percentile and an overweight parent were randomly allocated to the intervention (46 children) or information control (50 children). In both groups, children received diet and activity education over 12 months, and then 12 months of follow-up. In the , parents were also targeted for weight control and received a behavioral intervention.

The researchers found that, throughout treatment and follow-up, children in the intervention group experienced greater reductions in percent over BMI (P = 0.002) and z-BMI (P < 0.001) compared with controls. Over time, there was a greater reduction in BMI noted for parents in the intervention group versus the control group throughout treatment and follow-up (P < 0.001). At 12 and 24 months, there was a correlation between child weight changes and parent weight changes (r = 0.38 [P < 0.001] and 0.26 [P = 0.03], respectively).

"Concurrently targeting preschool-aged overweight and obese youth and their parents in primary care with results in greater decreases in child percent over BMI, z-BMI, and parent BMI compared with information control," the authors write.

One author disclosed financial ties to Kurbo, which provides online support for pediatric weight control.

More information: Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Journal information: Pediatrics

Copyright © 2014 HealthDay. All rights reserved.

Citation: Targeting parents along with overweight kids benefits both (2014, July 22) retrieved 19 March 2024 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2014-07-parents-overweight-kids-benefits.html
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

Explore further

Pediatrician-led motivational interviews aid BMI control

 shares

Feedback to editors