Preventing Weight Gain and Unhealthy Behaviors in Children

An Intervention to Prevent Weight Gain and Unhealthy Behaviors in Children From Economically Disadvantaged Circumstances

This study will address engagement in unhealthy behaviors, low levels of self-regulation, and unhealthy weight gain for children from low-income households.

Evidence suggests that components within structured days (e.g., school days) have a positive influence on children's obesogenic behaviors (i.e., diet, sleep, physical activity, sedentary behaviors) and self-regulation. In this pilot study children will be randomized to two arms: attend a structured summer camp, not attend a camp. The investigators hypothesize that children attending the summer camp will engage in more healthy obesogenic behaviors, display higher levels of self-regulation, and subsequently will experience less weight gain than children not attending the summer camp. To test this hypothesis the following specific aims will be accomplished: Aim 1 (Primary): Compare changes in BMI z-scores and fitness among children from low-income households attending a structured summer day camp and those not attending a structured summer day camp. Aim 2 (Secondary): Compare changes in obesogenic behaviors among children attending a structured summer day camp and those not attending a structured summer day camp. Aim 3 (Exploratory): Explore changes in self-regulation and the moderating effect of these changes on primary and secondary outcomes among children attending and not attending a structured summer day camp.

Inclusion Criteria:

• participants will be boys and girls that attend one of the participating schools
• indicates "yes' on an informed consent document for participation in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• diagnosis of an intellectual disability, such as Down Syndrome, Fragile X, Fetal Alcohol and/or a physical disability, such as wheelchair use, that prevents the ability to ambulate without assistance.
• children who plan to enroll in a summer camp during the year that they participate in the study will also be excluded from the study.
• No other exclusion criteria will be used.