Parents-only treatments are proved to be more effective when compared to plans which involve both parents and children in addressing childhood obesity.
The new discovery about tackling obesity was made by researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, UCSD Child and Adolescent Services Research Center and University of Minnesota. The results of this relatively easier and cost effective method of obesity treatment in children is published in October 2010 advanced online edition of the journal Obesity. The study was funded by a grant from the National Institutes of Health.
What Research Learnt About Tacking Obesity Using Parent-Only Groups?
- The role of parents is pivotal in a child’s environment as several practices are learnt by the kid from them.
- The researchers wanted to learn how viable method it was to treat only the parents for tackling child obesity, without the child visiting the clinic.
- Eighty parents with an overweight or obese child belonging to the age group 8-12-years in their family were the participants.
- For five months these families were randomly given either parent-only treatment or parent and child treatment.
- The calorie intake and physical activity of the child and body size of the parent and child were assessed during and after the treatment for six more months.
- The results of the study were positive in this regard as it was revealed that the parent-only group was no way less in comparison to child physical activity, parent weight loss and child weight loss plans.
Significance of the Research on Parent-Only Group in Tacking Obesity in Children:
Latest estimates reveal that four-five million (or 31 percent) children in the United States are overweight or obese. Current weight loss plans combining education on nutrition, exercise behavior therapy techniques require the involvement of both the parents and kid.
This makes the treatment and associated clinic visits a costly affair for the families. The present research can hopefully bring down the treatment cost of tackling child obesity considerably.
