The number of children who are obese in the UK is steadily increasing with both short and long term consequences for health. The aim of this study is to determine whether the MEND Programme (a new national initiative for the treatment of childhood obesity) is a successful and sustainable treatment for childhood obesity and obesity related health problems.

300 overweight and obese children will be randomly assigned to start immediately on the MEND Programme for 6 months or join a waiting-list control group for 6 months. Measurements of health outcomes will be taken at baseline, and at 6, 12 and 24 months after the Programme. After 6 months of waiting-list time, the control group will follow the same protocol as the immediate starters. The researchers will be unaware (blinded) to which group each child has been assigned to. The study will examine the effects of the MEND Programme on body composition, cardiovascular health and psychological health.

The Study is a Randomised Controlled Trial.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Children enrolled in the MEND Programme who are yet to be given a start date for the programme.
• Aged between 7-13 years old.
• Overweight or obese as defined by a BMI which falls above the 91st centile on the boys/girls BMI chart UK cross-sectional reference data:1997/1).
• Clinically well with no known chronic illness.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Age less than 7 years or older than 13.
• Known chronic illness.