Effects of a School‐based Weight Maintenance Program for Mexican‐American Children: Results at 2 Years

The prevalence of childhood overweight has increased significantly, with the highest rates noted among Mexican Americans. Many negative health outcomes are associated with overweight; thus, there is a need for effective weight‐loss interventions tailored to this group. This study evaluated 24‐month outcomes of a randomized, controlled trial involving an intensive lifestyle‐based weight maintenance program targeting overweight Mexican‐American children at a charter school in Houston, Texas. A total of 60 children (33 males, 55%) between the ages of 10 and 14 at or >85th percentile for BMI were recruited. Participants were randomized to an instructor‐led intervention (ILI) or a self‐help (SH) program, both aimed at modifying eating and physical activity behaviors using behavior modification strategies. Changes in participants' standardized BMI ( z BMI) were assessed at baseline, 1, and 2 years. Tricep skinfold, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and calculated low‐density lipoprotein were assessed at baseline and 1 year. ILI participants showed significantly greater decreases in z BMI at 1 and 2 years ( F = 26.8, P < 0.001, F = 4.1, P < 0.05, respectively) compared to SH controls. ILI participants showed greater improvements in body composition, as measured by tricep skinfold ( F = 9.75, P < 0.01). Children in the ILI condition experienced benefits with respect to total cholesterol ( F = 7.19, P < 0.05) and triglycerides ( F = 4.35, P < 0.05) compared to children in the SH condition. Overall, the school‐based intervention resulted in improved weight and clinical outcomes in overweight Mexican‐American children, and z BMI was maintained over 2 years.