Barriers to Treatment in Obese Adolescents

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The purpose of this study is to identify significant racial and ethnical differences in risk factors for development of obesity and weight loss in adolescents in Central Virginia

Detailed Description
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Participation for 6 months in a program incorporating exercise, nutritional counseling and behavioral support leads to measurable improvements in overall fitness, metabolic indicators and loss of body fat for obese adolescents. Degree of loss of body fat, improved overall fitness and improvements in metabolic indicators can be correlated with the degree of compliance and participation for 6 months in the program. Parental involvement and support can be correlated with the degree of compliance and participation in the program. Socioeconomic factors can be correlated with the degree of compliance and participation in the program. Cultural differences in diet, attitudes toward body shape, and family dynamics can be correlated with success or failure in a weight loss program. Individual differences in self-esteem, self-discipline and feelings of connectedness with family members can be correlated with success or failure in a weight loss program.

Official Title
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Understanding The Barriers in Treatment of Obesity in Adolescents 11-18 in Central Virginia

Conditions
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Obesity

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Motivational Interviewing
* Behavioral: Strength and Cardiovascular Conditioning
* Behavioral: Food selection and portion control


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Age 11-18 Above 95th percentile for weight Reside within 30 miles of program site Ability to comprehend basic instructions Ability to perform basic exercise movements Exclusion Criteria: Having a metabolic disorder that causes weight gain Having a cognitive deficit that impacts learning and comprehension Having a physical defect that prevents exercise

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 11 Years
Maximum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Lifestyle Intervention<br>Dietary modification and exercise. | Behavioral: Motivational Interviewing<br>* Biweekly meetings with a behavior specialist to review subject's progress with the protocol and explore challenges subject is facing in adopting healthy lifestyle behaviors.<br>Behavioral: Strength and Cardiovascular Conditioning<br>* Subjects take part in an exercise program to include 30 minutes of cardiorespiratory exercise at 70% maximum heart rate, and 30 minutes of strength training on Nautilus machines.<br>Behavioral: Food selection and portion control<br>* Subjects meet on a biweekly basis with a registered dietitian who presents educational information about healthy food selection and portion control.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| A decrease in body mass index. |  | 6 months and 1 year | 
| Improvement in metabolic indicators. |  | 6 months and 1 year | 
| Improvement in fitness measures |  | 6 months and 1 year | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Improved subject compliance with exercise and diet. |  | 6 months and 1 year | 
| Improved parental compliance and support. |  | 6 months and 1 year | 
| Increase knowledge of nutritional principles |  | 6 months and 1 year | 
| Improved attitude toward healthy behaviors |  | 6 months and 1 year | 
| Increased self-esteem and motivation |  | 6 months and 1 year | 
| Decreased negativity |  | 6 months and 1 year | 
| Improved family cohesiveness |  | 6 months and 1 year | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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BMI, Pediatric Overweight,, African American;, Adolescent;, Intervention,, Teasing;, Self-esteem, Quality of Life, Metabolic syndrome, Insulin resistance, Diabetes, Nutrition, Motivation, Culture, Cardiorespiratory fitness, Resistance Training, Compliance