by The findings of a recent study conducted by the Karolinska Institute have highlighted the effectiveness of early intervention in treating childhood obesity. Published in The International Journal of Obesity, the study followed over 170 children in Sweden who were diagnosed with obesity and received treatment. The children, aged between four and six years old, were part of a randomized controlled trial conducted in pediatric clinics within the Stockholm Region.
The study divided the children and their parents into three treatment groups: standard treatment, parental support group, and parental support group with follow-up telephone support. The standard treatment group attended meetings with doctors, pediatricians, and dieticians to focus on diet and exercise. The two parental support groups did not involve the children and focused on teaching parents how to promote healthy lifestyles within the family without conflict.
Principal investigator Paulina Nowicka explained that these conversations revolved around setting boundaries, teaching children new behaviors, and communicating with other adults in the children’s environment, such as preschools, grandmothers, and neighbors.
After the parental support group sessions, half of the participants received a follow-up phone call. This is significant because previous studies on childhood obesity treatment only followed up after a maximum of one year, providing limited data on long-term effects.
The study revealed that early intervention yielded promising results. All three groups showed improvement in weight status and a reduction in obesity levels, with the children in the parental support groups exhibiting the best outcomes. Those who also received follow-up phone calls experienced better metabolic health, evidenced by improved blood lipid and glucose levels.
Professor Nowicka emphasized the challenges parents face when addressing childhood obesity. While most parents know what kind of food to serve their children, it becomes difficult when dealing with a child who constantly craves food or is consistently hungry. Building a clear structure at home, involving the child in cooking, offering vegetables as snacks, and avoiding emotional or achievement-based associations with food are some strategies suggested by Professor Nowicka.
The study emphasizes that early intensive treatment is safe and effective for preschool children, offering better results than treating obesity in teenagers. By addressing childhood obesity at an early age, the hope is that interventions such as bariatric surgery can be avoided.
In conclusion, the research conducted by the Karolinska Institute underscores the importance of early intervention in treating childhood obesity. The study highlights the positive impact of parental support and regular follow-up on improving weight status and metabolic health in children. By implementing clear structures at home and avoiding emotional associations with food, parents play a crucial role in breaking the cycle of obesity in their children.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
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