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.