Abstract
IntroductionTreatment of childhood obesity is a complex challenge for primary health care professionals.ObjectivesTo evaluate the effectiveness of the Nereu Program in improving anthropometric parameters, physical activity and sedentary behaviours, and dietary intake.MethodsRandomized, controlled, multicentre clinical trial comparing Nereu Program and usual counselling group interventions in primary care settings. The 8-month study recruited 113 children aged 6 to 12 years with overweight/obesity. Before recruitment, eligible participants were randomly allocated to an intensive, family-based multi-component behavioural intervention (Nereu Program group) or usual advice from their paediatrician on healthy eating and physical activity. Anthropometric parameters, objectively measured sedentary and physical activity behaviours, and dietary intake were evaluated pre- and post-intervention.ResultsAt the end of the study period, both groups achieved a similar decrease in body mass index (BMIsd) compared to baseline. Nereu Program participants (n = 54) showed greater increases in moderate-intense physical activity (+6.27% vs. -0.61%, p<0.001) and daily fruit servings (+0.62 vs. +0.13, p<0.026), and decreased daily soft drinks consumption (-0.26 vs. -0.02, p<0.047), respectively, compared to the counselling group (n = 59).ConclusionsAt the end of the 8-month intervention, participants in the Nereu Program group showed improvement in physical activity and dietary behaviours, compared to the counselling group.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT01878994
Highlights
Treatment of childhood obesity is a complex challenge for primary health care professionals
At the end of the study period, both groups achieved a similar decrease in body mass index (BMIsd) compared to baseline
Improvements in active and sedentary habits in the Nereu Program (NP) group occurred homogeneously across subgroups of sex and age. This is an important outcome because it is known that sports participation decreases with age and that boys tend to be more physically active than girls [38,39]. These findings suggest that the NP intervention was a beneficial program for both boys and girls of all ages (6 to 12 years)
Summary
Randomized, controlled, multicentre clinical trial comparing Nereu Program and usual counselling group interventions in primary care settings. The 8-month study recruited 113 children aged 6 to 12 years with overweight/obesity. Eligible participants were randomly allocated to an intensive, family-based multi-component behavioural intervention (Nereu Program group) or usual advice from their paediatrician on healthy eating and physical activity. Anthropometric parameters, objectively measured sedentary and physical activity behaviours, and dietary intake were evaluated pre- and post-intervention
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