Enhancing Family Based Treatment of Childhood Obesity Through Social Networks

Enhancing Family Based Treatment of Childhood Obesity Through Social Networks

The purpose of this study is to develop a Social Network Engagement (SNE) Intervention that will be integrated into a standard treatment program for childhood overweight. The investigators will conduct a pilot trial of SNE to assess feasibility and to estimate its effectiveness compared with historical controls who received standard treatment. The historical controls will be participants in the FOCUS trial (Family Overweight: Comparing Use of Strategies; NCT00746629).

Inclusion Criteria Children

• Age 7-13 years
• At or above the 85th percentile for age- and gender-specific BMI

Parents

• At least one overweight parent (BMI>25.0)

Parents and children

• English-speaking and at least at a second-grade reading level
• Live <50 miles from the treatment site.

Exclusion Children

• Conditions known to promote obesity (e.g., Prader-Willi),
• Participation in another weight control program
• Recently started taking weight-affecting medications (e.g., stimulants).

Parents and children

• Disability or illness that would preclude them from engaging in at least moderate-intensity physical activity,
• Current or prior diagnosed eating disturbance
• Thought disorder, suicidality, or substance abuse disorder