Obesity Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Obesity, including details on health, diet, prevention, exercise.

Family-based behavioural treatment of obesity: acceptability and effectiveness in the UK.

Edwards C, Nicholls D, Croker H, Van Zyl S, Viner R, Wardle J

Cancer Research Health Behaviour Unit, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, UK.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the acceptability and impact of family-based behavioural treatment (FBBT) for childhood obesity in a clinical setting in the UK. DESIGN: Pre- and post-treatment assessment for four consecutive treatment groups. SETTING: Treatment groups took place at Great Ormond Street Hospital, London. PATIENTS: Participants were 33 families with obese (BMI >or=98th centile for age and sex) children aged 8-13 years. INTERVENTION: FBBT was delivered over 12 sessions. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Overweight (percentage BMI), self-esteem, mood and eating attitudes were assessed before and after treatment; overweight was re-assessed at 3-month follow-up for those who completed treatment. RESULTS: The FBBT programme materials translated easily to the UK setting and the programme was well-liked by participants. Twenty-seven out of 33 families (82%) completed the sessions. Children lost 8.4% BMI over the time of treatment, and this was maintained at 3-month follow-up. Self-esteem and depression improved significantly and there was no change in food pre-occupation, anorexia or bulimia on the ChEAT. CONCLUSIONS: These results establish that FBBT is feasible and acceptable in a clinical setting in Britain. They indicate that significant loss of overweight can be achieved using the programme without adverse psychological consequences.

Published 2 May 2006 in Eur J Clin Nutr, 60(5): 587-92.
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