Effective multidisciplinary approach to childhood obesity prevention and treatment: Integration of technology, health coaching of child, and fitness options

Purpose: The purpose of this intervention was to test the effectiveness of a combination approach to childhood obesity prevention and treatment that included a multidisciplinary clinical team approach with the Integration of technology, health coaching, and fitness training. Methods: This study included 151 low income children/adolescents ages 5-17 years old with BMI equal to or greater than 85th percentile for age and gender. The study included a combination of clinical team visits, evening and weekend educational family workshops, integration of technology via activity trackers, mobile application, health coaching, and fitness training. The pediatric clinical multidisciplinary team (CMDT) included obesity medicine pediatrician, child clinical health psychologist, registered dietitian, and exercise physiologist. Clinical office visits with CMDT included an initial consultation with each provider and regular follow up visits. In addition, the families were encouraged to attend eight family educational workshops focusing on nutrition, self-esteem/body image, and group exercise. Integration of technology activity trackers were provided to each child and parent and use of a smart phone application was included. Fitness options included free 6-month gym memberships for the participating parent and child, as well as small group exercise/ personal training sessions provided per child. Results: Outcomes, including patient- reported and clinical measures, showed improved or maintained values. Clinical measures showed that 75.00% of patients with high blood pressure at enrollment improved or maintained systolic/diastolic blood pressures, 62.35% reduced/maintained percent body fat, 56.32% reduced or maintained body mass index (BMI), 73.33% improved or maintained fasting triglyceride levels, and 50.00% improved or maintained fasting insulin levels. Self-reported outcomes showed that 74.39% and 87.80% increased or maintained individual and family activity, respectively. Results also showed that 78.95% decreased or maintained intake of sugar-sweetened beverages, 84.21% and 80.26% increased or maintained consumption of vegetables and fruits, and 84.21% showed decreased or maintained fast food restaurant meals. Parent data was also tracked showing 54.43% reduced or maintained BMI and 62.03% reduced or maintained percent body fat. Psychological measures, as determined by the Psychological Symptoms Checklist showed that 92.86% of patients improved or maintained quality of