ARS | Publication request: Treatment of pediatric overweight: an examination of feasibility and effectiveness in an applied clinical setting

Submitted to: Journal of Pediatric Psychology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: May 2, 2006
Publication Date: January 1, 2007
Citation: Johnston, C.A., Steele, R.G. 2007. Treatment of pediatric overweight: an examination of feasibility and effectiveness in an applied clinical setting. Journal of Pediatric Psychology. 32(1):106-110.

Interpretive Summary: The purpose of this study was to determine if study results found from a research setting can be repeated in a clinical setting. The study utilized a program similar to a well-documented program. The participants in the clinical study who received a specialized diet (TLD) demonstrated greater weight reduction than the control subjects. This study suggests that studies performed in a research setting can in fact be applied to a clinical setting and have positive outcomes.

Technical Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To examine the effectiveness and feasibility of an evidence-based treatment for weight loss in children. METHODS: A total of 41 children who were overweight and their families were provided a modified version of the Traffic Light Diet (TLD) in an applied setting. Children who received treatment as usual (TAU) constituted a comparison sample. RESULTS: Children receiving the modified TLD demonstrated a significantly greater reduction in standardized body mass index (z-BMI) than children receiving TAU. CONCLUSIONS: The TLD is a feasible treatment that can be implemented in applied settings that include samples often excluded from treatment efficacy studies. Results are discussed in the context of bridging the gap between science and service.