DOC News December 1, 2007
Volume 4 Number 12 p. 11
© 2007 American Diabetes Association
Ongoing Support Helps Kids Keep the Weight Off
Weight-management strategies can help children maintain weight loss
initially, but the effects gradually wane, suggesting a need for continued
weight-management support, according to recent research.
A group of researchers evaluated the effect of two common weight-management
approaches on 150 healthy 7- to 12-year-olds who were 20–100% over
median body mass index (BMI). After the weight loss, participants were
randomized to receive 4 months of behavioral skills maintenance (BSM) therapy,
social facilitation maintenance (SFM) therapy, or no special therapy.
Participants were evaluated at baseline and were followed up immediately and 1
and 2 years after the 4 months of therapy.
BSM is a cognitive-behavioral approach involving counseling to impart
strategies for self-regulation and relapse prevention. SFM helps parents
develop support networks of kids dealing with weight concerns. The networks
focus on healthy eating, exercise, and strategies to tackle poor self-image,
teasing, and other such issues that can impede weight
maintenance.
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Immediately and 1 and 2 years after therapy, children in either therapy
group maintained significantly more weight loss than those in the control
group. The effects diminished, though, over the 2 years post-therapy, with the
SFM children maintaining a slight BMI edge, particularly those without any
behavioral problems.
Overall, the study demonstrates that maintenance programs after weight loss
can benefit children, the researchers conclude. They further speculate that
such programs likely are more helpful the longer they are sustained.
Wilfley DE, Stein RI, Saelens BE, et al.: Efficacy of
maintenance treatment approaches for childhood overweight.
JAMA 298:1661–1673, 2007.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
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