Feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of a multidisciplinary intervention in childhood obesity from primary care: Nutrition, physical activity, emotional regulation, and family

Abstract

Childhood obesity is a growing problem with a complex aetiology, for which multidisciplinary interventions are required. Our programme describes a novel structured psychosocial family-based intervention targeting the emotional regulation in childhood obesity, using a train trip metaphor aimed at improving healthy lifestyles for the family. The aims were (a) to describe the feasibility and acceptability of this psychosocial family-based intervention among children with overweight or obesity in primary care and (b) to examine the effectiveness of the "ENTREN-F" programme (with family intervention) compared with the "ENTREN" programme (without family intervention) among Spanish children regarding anthropometric variables, physical activity, emotional well-being, and family functioning. Children were randomly allocated to either ENTREN-F programme (n = 30) or psychological intervention for children (ENTREN, n = 40), and assessments were carried out over time (T0 baseline vs. T1 post/6-month vs. T2 6-month follow-up). Both parent groups expressed high levels of satisfaction with the interventions. ENTREN-F resulted in higher adherence to treatment and was more effective in improving z-body mass index, reducing children's anxiety, and increasing family adaptability than the ENTREN programme. There were no significant changes in parents' emotional well-being and expressed emotion. Both groups improved in the children's emotional well-being and light physical activity. In summary, this multidisciplinary psychosocial family-based intervention was succesful.