(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Worldwide, the obesity epidemic in young people is
continues to gain momentum. According to new research, family-based programs can
help children lose weight and maintain their weight loss.
Family-based lifestyle interventions that not only modify diet and exercise but
also include behavior therapy programs can help obese children lose weight and
keep it off for at least six months. In adolescents the effects last at least 12
months.
Researchers collected data from 64 randomized controlled trials involving 5,230
participants. These new findings are the first to provide enough data to support
these specific programs.
Pediatric obesity rates are currently at 30 percent in the Americas and 20
percent in Europe. Worldwide, 10 percent of five to 17 year olds are overweight.
"This highlights the importance of effective treatment strategies for children
and young people already affected by the problem of obesity," Professor Louise
Baur, a pediatrician at The Children's Hospital at Westmead, and the University
of Sydney, was quoted as saying.
Source: Cochrane Review Press Release, January 20, 2009
