Research Outcomes Success in Healthy LIFE Program is Not Reflected on Scale: Children Gain Muscle, Lose Fat, Get More Fit, and Make Healthier Choices. Published in NAASO journal Obesity Research (2007). Background: The Healthy LIFE® Pediatric Weight Management Program at Saint Barnabas Medical Center provides family-based lifestyle intervention for overweight children. The program, which runs 24 wks for 2.5 hrs/wk, is distinguished by its treatment of the parent-child dyad, weekly behavioral, nutritional, and physical activity training, and focus on thoughtful decision making without a calorie-controlled diet. As of April 2007, 64 participants (p’s) have enrolled (28m & 36f; aged 7-17yrs; total body fat% range 29.8-56.1%). The retention rate (85%) has been high with 55 of the 64 completing the program and reporting high satisfaction. Methods: Using DXA to measure body composition before and after participation in the Healthy LIFE® Program, we aim to show that body fat % is reduced significantly even though body weight (by DXA and Tanita scale) does not change. We examine changes in muscle, bone and height to see if these add to post-treatment weight and thereby mask actual reductions in fat. Results: Table 1 shows that participants had significant reductions in body fat and significant increases in muscle tissue over the course of the Healthy LIFE program. This occurred despite a negligible change in body weight.
Corroborating Physical and Behavioral Results: Success shown by changes in DXA fat% during Healthy LIFE are echoed by other measures of a healthier body and lifestyle. For ex: over 85% of p’s report smaller clothing and belt sizes as well as “increased energy” for activities; waist and hip circumferences decreased (p<.001); speed in shuttle run increased (14.6 to 15.8 laps), and p’s self-confidence and self-rep. freq. of using health-promoting behavioral skills increased. Conclusion: Youth in Healthy LIFE became healthier by gaining lean tissue while losing fat, particularly in the trunk. These changes were not reflected in pre/post body weight. While this data is limited by a lack of non-treatment controls, clinicians can consider reminding families of the limitations of body weight as a measure of success. Alternative measures of physical and behavioral changes may help participants see the benefits of their efforts.
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