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BMC Pediatrics

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Open Access 01-12-2014 | Study protocol

Managing paediatric obesity: a multidisciplinary intervention including peers in the therapeutic process

Authors: Helena Fonseca, António Labisa Palmeira, Sandra Cristina Martins, Liliana Falcato, António Quaresma

Published in: BMC Pediatrics | Issue 1/2014

Abstract

Background

Adolescent obesity epidemic is one of the major health priorities as it tracks into adult life. There is widespread need for new creative strategies and lifestyle programs. This study was designed to investigate the possible impact of including peers on the weight management program and assess the long-run adherence to behaviour change, with a potential positive impact on body mass index, body composition, and physical activity. Peer influence is major at this age and it is expected that adolescents will be better motivated and engaged in the behaviour changes when they are accompanied by their friends.

Methods/design

The study is a non-randomised, non-blinded controlled trial, including two groups: 1) Comparison group (n = 35), which will receive a 12 month standard treatment at the hospital setting plus a weekly interactive and physical activity session; 2) Experimental group (n = 99), which will receive the standardized treatment at the hospital plus a weekly session together with a peer of their choice. The sample size calculations for the primary outcomes showed that we will have power to detect effect sizes of 0.25. Measures include: a) Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (for body composition assessment); b) Anthropometric evaluations; c) Assessment of physical activity levels by accelerometers; d) Psychosocial mediators (motivation and peer support) assessed with a package of psychometric questionnaires; and e) Outcomes (quality of life and well-being).

Discussion

Adolescence is a crucial period for the development of a healthy lifestyle, especially among those who reach this age with an obesity condition. Obesity management programs directed to adolescents are often an adopted version of programs developed for children, most of them with a strong focus on the family, or an adopted version of adult programs, not recognizing the specificities of this age group. This study is designed taking into account the unique characteristics of this life-cycle stage, with the main objective of testing an innovative treatment for adolescent obesity.

Trial registration

This trial is registered in the clinicaltrials.gov with the number NCT02024061

Available only for authorised users

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The pre-publication history for this paper can be accessed here:http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2431/14/89/prepub

Title: Managing paediatric obesity: a multidisciplinary intervention including peers in the therapeutic process
Authors: Helena Fonseca
António Labisa Palmeira
Sandra Cristina Martins
Liliana Falcato
António Quaresma
Publication date: 01-12-2014
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Pediatrics / Issue 1/2014
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2431
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2431-14-89

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Managing paediatric obesity: a multidisciplinary intervention including peers in the therapeutic process

Abstract

Background

Methods/design

Discussion

Trial registration

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods/design

Discussion

Trial registration

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