Behavioral Treatments for Children with Obesity: Where Are the Fathers?

Fathers were not participants in most trials of behavioral interventions for obesity in children and youth.

Parents influence their children's weight through their own behaviors and parenting practices (e.g., food habits and physical activity). Parent participation that includes both parents, when available, is a significant component of interventions that target behavior change in children.

Researchers conducted a systematic review of randomized, controlled trials (published 2004–2013) of behavioral interventions to prevent or treat obesity in children and youth. Of 213 studies identified, involving nearly 57,000 children, roughly half were carried out in the U.S. About half the treatments occurred in small groups, and most studies included both physical activity and diet counseling. Parents were asked to actively participate in all studies.

Fathe…

Reviewing Author

Martin T. Stein, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardPearson Neuroscience Advisory Board

Speaker’s bureauAmerican Academy of Pediatrics

RoyaltiesElsevier, Inc.

Editorial boardsJournal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics