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Lessons learned from a family-focused weight management intervention for obese and overweight children

Twiddy, Maureen; Wilson, Inga; Bryant, Maria; Rudolf, Mary

Authors

Inga Wilson

Maria Bryant

Mary Rudolf



Abstract

Treatment for childhood obesity is characterised by high attrition rates and failure to achieve weight maintenance. It is therefore important to develop more effective programmes. The aim of the present qualitative study was to explore the views of parents, children and health trainers to identify issues which can inform the development of more effective programmes.
A qualitative study combining in-depth interviews and focus groups. Participants were selected purposively from current and past attendees.
WATCH-IT, a UK-based community child weight management programme.
Twenty-three families who had previously attended (or were currently attending) WATCH-IT were interviewed. Focus groups with ten trainers explored their views of the intervention.
Parents and children had different goals for involvement, with parents focusing on psychological benefits, while children concentrated on goals relating to weight loss and physical fitness. Parents were found to struggle to provide consistent support to their children and this was exacerbated by family dynamics. The child's commitment to lose weight, support from their family and a good relationship between the child and their trainer were viewed as important keys to successful weight management.
The study will guide the design of existing and future programmes by providing insights into issues that challenge successful engagement. It highlights the possible value of exploring the therapeutic relationship between trainers and participants.

Citation

Twiddy, M., Wilson, I., Bryant, M., & Rudolf, M. (2012). Lessons learned from a family-focused weight management intervention for obese and overweight children. Public health nutrition, 15(07), 1310-1317. https://doi.org/10.1017/s1368980011003211

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Nov 3, 2011
Online Publication Date Jan 5, 2012
Publication Date Jul 1, 2012
Deposit Date Jan 5, 2018
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal Public Health Nutrition
Print ISSN 1368-9800
Electronic ISSN 1475-2727
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 15
Issue 07
Pages 1310-1317
DOI https://doi.org/10.1017/s1368980011003211
Keywords Nutrition and Dietetics; Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health; Medicine (miscellaneous)
Public URL https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/514794
Publisher URL https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/public-health-nutrition/article/lessons-learned-from-a-familyfocused-weight-management-intervention-for-obese-and-overweight-children/E93F9D762FC19E8731F7A6D64E841520