The rise in childhood overweightness and concomitant increase in chronic disease risk warrants exploration into the effectiveness of interventions targeting the eating and activity habits of overweight youth. This research study developed and tested a "Beverage Choice and Lifestyle Modification" (BCLM) intervention for 4 to 8 year old children who are at-risk for being overweight or are overweight and who consume large amounts of sugar sweetened beverages and juice. The overall study objectives were to test the acceptability and effectiveness of the BCLM intervention for improving the weight status, energy (kcal) intake, beverage selections and beverage preferences of children in targeted age and BMI group. The investigators hypothesized that those children randomized to the BCLM group will show greater improvements in weight and Body Mass Index (BMI) status, beverage choices,and energy intake than those assigned to our Nutrition Education (NE) group.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
65
The family-based BCLM intervention trained children and parents in self monitoring of sugar sweetened beverage intake and goal-setting, incorporated feedback and reinforcement, and provided water bottles and water filters to promote a reduction in sugar sweetened beverages and overall energy intake. 16 sessions were provided over a 6-month period.
This treatment for parents and children addressed a variety of topics in nutrition including benefits of fruits and vegetables, the food pyramid, vitamins, benefits of eating a variety of foods, and healthy beverage selections. No behavioral change training component was included. 16 sessions over 24 weeks was provided.
University of Pennsylvania Center for Weight and Eating Disorders
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Body Mass Index (BMI)
Change in BMI will be measured from baseline to end of treatment (month 6).
Time frame: Baseline and Month 6
Body Mass Index z-score (BMI-z)
Change in BMI-z will be measured from baseline to end of treatment (month 6).
Time frame: Baseline and month 6
Body Mass Index Percentile (BMI%)
Change in BMI% will be measured from baseline to end of treatment (month 6).
Time frame: Baseline and Month 6
Child percent overweight
Change in child percent overweight will be measured from baseline to end of treatment (month 6).
Time frame: Baseline and Month 6
Waist Circumference
Change in waist circumference will be measured from baseline to end of treatment (month 6).
Time frame: Baseline to Month 6
Energy (kcal) intake
Change in energy intake (kcals/day) will be measured from baseline to end of treatment (month 6) using 3-day food diaries.
Time frame: Baseline to Month 6
Sugar-sweetened beverage intake
Change in sugar-sweetened beverage intake will be measured from baseline to end of treatment (month 6).
Time frame: Baseline to Month 6
Treatment acceptance and satisfaction
Overall treatment acceptance and satisfaction will be measured at end of treatment.
Time frame: Month 6
Child preferences and motivation for sugar-sweetened beverages
Change in child preference and motivation for sugar-sweetened beverages will be measured from baseline to month 6 using a computerized behavioral choice task assessment.
Time frame: Baseline and Month 6
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.