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A pilot evaluation of appetite‐awareness training in the treatment of childhood overweight and obesity: A preliminary investigation
Author(s) -
Bloom Taryn,
Sharpe Louise,
Mullan Barbara,
Zucker Nancy
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
international journal of eating disorders
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.785
H-Index - 138
eISSN - 1098-108X
pISSN - 0276-3478
DOI - 10.1002/eat.22041
Subject(s) - overweight , appetite , obesity , childhood obesity , psychology , medicine , randomized controlled trial , intervention (counseling) , pediatrics , physical therapy , psychiatry
Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to conduct a preliminary evaluation of Children's Appetite Awareness Training (CAAT), a treatment for childhood obesity which encourages overweight children to eat in response to internal appetite cues. Method Overweight children (ages 6–12 years old) were randomized to either the CAAT treatment group ( N = 23), to receive 1‐h treatment sessions over 6 weeks, or a wait‐list group ( N = 24). Weight and height of children and parents in both groups were assessed at pre‐ and post‐treatment (or equivalent time for wait‐list control) and at a 6‐month follow‐up for those in the CAATgroup. Results: The intervention had a significant, short‐term effect on the BMI of children who participated. Although at 6‐month follow‐up, children's BMI has not increased significantly, the difference between pretreatment and follow‐up BMI was no longer significant. Discussion: These results are encouraging for the use of CAAT with overweight children. Long‐term effectiveness could be enhanced through increasing the duration of the program, adding booster sessions and increased involvement of parents. © 2012 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2013)