A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of a Behavioral Family-Based Intervention With and Without Home Visits to Decrease Obesity in Preschoolers

Several behaviors typical in preschool-aged children such aversion to new foods and tantrumming could make treatment of obesity at this age particularly difficult. In “A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of a Behavioral Family-Based Intervention With and Without Home Visits to Decrease Obesity in Preschoolers” researchers led by Dr. Lori J. Stark tested two behavioral treatments for obesity in preschool-aged children. One treatment, LAUNCH-HV, involved regular group-based clinic visits as well as individual home sessions. Another treatment, LAUNCH-clinic, involved group-based clinic visits but did not include home sessions. Children between the ages of 2 and 5 with a BMI greater than or equal to the 95th percentile who also had at least one parent with a BMI greater than or equal to 25 were eligible to participate and randomized between one of the two treatments or physician counseling.

Children enrolled in the LAUNCH-HV treatment showed less weight gain and a greater decrease in BMI than children in physician counseling. They were also better able to maintain their weight loss than those in physician counseling. Those in LAUNCH-clinic did not show a significant change in BMI or weight compared to those in physician counseling. These results indicate that home visits and other treatments of similar intensity might be necessary for treating obese preschoolers.

Publication Information

Stark LJ, Clifford LM, Towner EK, Filigno SS, Zion C, Bolling C, Rausch J. A pilot randomized controlled trial of a behavioral family-based intervention with and without home visits to decrease obesity in preschoolers. J Pediatr Psychol. 2014 Oct;39(9):1001-12.