The number of children who are obese in the UK is steadily increasing with both short and long term consequences for health. The aim of this study is to determine whether the MEND Programme (a new national initiative for the treatment of childhood obesity) is a successful and sustainable treatment for childhood obesity and obesity related health problems. 300 overweight and obese children will be randomly assigned to start immediately on the MEND Programme for 6 months or join a waiting-list control group for 6 months. Measurements of health outcomes will be taken at baseline, and at 6, 12 and 24 months after the Programme. After 6 months of waiting-list time, the control group will follow the same protocol as the immediate starters. The researchers will be unaware (blinded) to which group each child has been assigned to. The study will examine the effects of the MEND Programme on body composition, cardiovascular health and psychological health.
The Study is a Randomised Controlled Trial.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
300
The number of children who are obese in the UK is steadily increasing with both short and long term consequences for health. The aim of this study is to determine whether the MEND Programme (a new national initiative for the treatment of childhood obesity) is a successful and sustainable treatment for childhood obesity and obesity related health problems.
No intervention
Body Mass Index z-score
Time frame: 6 months
Body fat, waist circumference, blood pressure, arterial stiffness, heart rate control, fitness, physical activity and sedentary behaviour status, self esteem and health related quality of life.
Time frame: 6 months
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