Researchers from Karolinska Institutet have published a study in The International Journal of Obesity, revealing that early intervention in childhood obesity yields positive outcomes in both near-term and long terms.
Setting boundaries and teaching new behaviors helps address obesity
The study observed more than 170 youthful individuals in Sweden who had been subjected to therapy for officially diagnosed obesity. These youngsters were enrolled in a randomized controlled investigation when they were aged between four and six years, through pediatric clinics situated in the Stockholm Region.
Participants and their guardians were allocated randomly to one of three intervention categories: conventional treatment, parental guidance collective, or parental guidance collective coupled with subsequent telephonic assistance.
The standard treatment group involved meetings between children and parents, where discussions centered on dietary and physical activity aspects, involving professionals such as doctors, pediatricians, and dietitians. In contrast, the two parental support groups excluded the children and emphasized strategies for parents to encourage a wholesome family lifestyle harmoniously, free from discord.
Pediatric Science professor and lead investigator, Paulina Nowicka, said that conversations should be centred around setting boundaries, teaching children new behaviors, and effective communication with various adults in a child’s life.
After participating in parental support gatherings, approximately half of the attendees were subsequently allocated a post-meeting telephone conversation.
Early interventions on obesity have lasting impact
Professor Nowicka asserts that previous research has examined youngsters who underwent obesity treatment. However, these investigations predominantly conducted follow-ups after a duration of six months or one year, leaving a dearth of information regarding the long-term outcomes for these children. The recently published study posits that early intervention for obesity exerts a sustained impact.
Professor Nowicka assets that there was an improvement in weight status in all three groups followed with obesity levels reduction. Most importantly, children that received parental guidance achieved the most promising outcomes, particularly those who additionally benefited from subsequent telephone consultations. Findings indicated that a greater number of children within this third cohort exhibited clinically significant improvements in their weight status characterized by improved blood lipid and glucose levels.
