Comparison of peer group based intervention versus family group based intervention in initial two stages of management of childhood obesity amongst school going adolescents

Abstract

A Comparison of peer and family group based two stage intervention regarding management of childhood obesity is done among obese adolescents. Total 200 obese adolescents, comprising 105 males and 95 females (age 10-19 years) are studied. 100 underwent Family based counseling (Group A) and 100 to Peer based counseling (Group B). Adolescents showed improvement in health behaviors after counseling are subjected to additional 3 months of Stage 1 intervention whereas adolescents showed no improvement in health behaviors are shifted to Stage 2 intervention. At stage 1intervention, decrease in mean weight was 0.77 kg in Group A(N=100) and 0.62 kg in Group B(N=100), while decrease in mean BMI was 0.29 kg/m2 and 0.24 kg/m2 in Group A and B respectively. In Group A, only 50% adolescents showed decrease in weight and BMI, as compared to 37% in Group B at Stage I. Remaining 50% from Group A and 63% from Group B were shifted to Stage 2. At the end of 6 month stage 1, mean BMI reduction was 0.96 kg/m2 in group A and 0.75 kg/m2 in group B. Mean weight reduction was 2.58 kg in group A and 2.24 kg in group B. At stage 2, mean weight reduction was 1.46kg and 1.05kg in group A and B whereas mean BMI reduction was 0.55kg/m2 and 0.43kg/m2 in group A and B. Both Peer and family group based interventions showed good effect. Whereas family based interventions proved more beneficial in comparison to peer group interventions.