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Family-based behavioural management of childhood obesity: service evaluation of a group programme run in a community setting in the United Kingdom

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition volume 65, pages 764–767 (2011)Cite this article

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Abstract

A service evaluation of a pilot of a family-based behavioural management group programme for childhood obesity was conducted in a community setting in the United Kingdom. A total of 17 families with children aged 7.5–14 years completed the programme, which was delivered in 15 sessions over 6 months. Behavioural and psychological measures and age- and sex-adjusted z-body mass index (BMI) were assessed before and after programme. z-BMI was maintained. There was a significant increase in the amount of high-fibre foods and a decrease in the amount of low-fibre foods consumed and in sedentary behaviours. There were significant decreases in depression, abnormal dieting behaviour and bulimia and food preoccupation, and an increase in self-worth related to physical appearance. These positive behavioural and psychological changes suggest that this is a promising programme.

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Acknowledgements

We thank Helen Croker, Sarah Price and Kerry Lonergan for their support with this evaluation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Public Health, NHS Islington, Goswell Road, London, UK

    M Murdoch

  2. Psychology Department, Middlesex University, The Burroughs, London, UK

    N Payne

  3. London Metropolitan University, Holloway Road, London, UK

    D Samani-Radia

  4. Islington Community Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, Holloway Road, London, UK

    J Rosen-Webb, L Walker & P Lewis

  5. Community Nutrition and Dietetics Department, NHS Islington, Hornsey Street, London, UK

    M Howe

Authors
  1. M Murdoch
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  2. N Payne
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  3. D Samani-Radia
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  4. J Rosen-Webb
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  5. L Walker
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  6. M Howe
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  7. P Lewis
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Correspondence to N Payne.

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The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Murdoch, M., Payne, N., Samani-Radia, D. et al. Family-based behavioural management of childhood obesity: service evaluation of a group programme run in a community setting in the United Kingdom. Eur J Clin Nutr 65, 764–767 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1038/ejcn.2011.23

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/ejcn.2011.23

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