Cognitive Aspects of Response to Treatment for Weight-related Health to Improve Eating and Exercise Earlier in Life
Condition: Pediatric Obesity; Executive Function
MeSH terms: Pediatric Obesity
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      We plan to examine whether child and parental cognitive/executive function predict body
      composition outcomes and adherence to a 6-month protocol of Family-Based Behavioral Treatment
      (FBT), for pediatric obesity. Our objectives are to: (1) examine the effects of parent and
      child complex cognitive functions on treatment outcomes and adherence in a 6-month FBT
      program for obesity in a diverse group of children aged 8-12 (total of 16 child-parent
      pairs), and (2) examine the strength of the relationship between parent and child cognitive
      function. We hypothesize that children with poorer executive function, and those who have
      parents with poorer executive function, will have poorer body composition and adherence
      outcomes.
    

Detailed description: 
      Baseline assessments will include child and parent demographic data, medical history, and
      cognitive functioning, along with anthropometric measures such as height, weight, and body
      composition. Those who complete baseline assessments will be enrolled in one of two groups of
      family-based treatment on after-school evenings (8 pairs in each group; total of 16
      child-caregiver pairs). A total of 24 weekly treatment sessions lasting up to 90 minutes each
      will be held over 6 months. Family-based behavioral treatment is a manualized, group
      intervention for children with obesity and their caregivers that incorporate
      participant-driven goal-based changes in diet and physical activity, and a variety of
      interactive educational session topics and behavioral support for reaching goals. A private
      weigh-in for children and caregivers will be conducted at each session. Sessions will begin
      with check-in with each family about weekly goal progress, after which the caregivers and
      children will split into separate groups for session-specific content including educational
      material tailored to nutrition, eating, and activity. The final portion of group session will
      involve children and caregivers merging in one group to share learning experiences and engage
      in collaborative goal-setting for the upcoming week(s). After the six month family-based
      behavioral intervention, baseline measures will be reassessed as well as overall program
      adherence. Program adherence will be evaluated using weekly program attendance and the number
      of days dietary/physical activity self-monitoring logs were completed.
    

Intervention name(s): Family-based Behavioral Treatment (FBT)
Intervention type(s): Behavioral
Intervention description(s): Family-based behavioral treatment (FBT) involves working with children and caregivers to modify diet and physical activity using behavioral strategies such as problem solving, goal setting, and self-monitoring. Children and caregivers will meet in group format on a weekly basis for 6 months. There will be 24 group session total, covering a variety of topics including nutrition, physical activity, and other aspects of health and wellness.
Intervention model: Single Group Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)
Primary purpose: Treatment
Keywords: Pediatric Obesity; Executive Function; Behavioral Intervention