Parent participation in a treatment program for overweight adolescents

Abstract

Thirty-one adolescents were assigned to either a parent participation or a no-parent participation group. All adolescents attended weekly classes to learn weight loss and self-management skills via videotape, role play, and group discussion. Monetary deposits were returned to adolescents when they achieved weight loss goals. Parents of adolescents in the parent participation group met in classes to learn skills for helping their children lose weight. Monetary deposits were returned to parents for completion of weekly assignments. At postreatment, adolescents in the parent participation group showed the greatest decreases in percent above ideal weight. They maintained the reductions at a nine month follow-up. Adolescents in the noparent group matched the parent participation groups' performance at follow-up. Participants reported significant changes in dietary habits relevant to cardiovascular health. Significant relationships between changes in percent above ideal weight and physical activity and HDL were also observed.