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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2014 Apr;15(2):225-9.
doi: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2014.01.010. Epub 2014 Feb 3.

Parent skills training to enhance weight loss in overweight children: evaluation of NOURISH

Suzanne E Mazzeo  1 , Nichole R Kelly  2 , Marilyn Stern  3 , Rachel W Gow  2 , Elizabeth W Cotter  2 , Laura M Thornton  4 , Ronald K Evans  5 , Cynthia M Bulik  4
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Parent skills training to enhance weight loss in overweight children: evaluation of NOURISH

Suzanne E Mazzeo et al. Eat Behav. 2014 Apr.

Abstract

Objective: Although there is general agreement that parents should be involved in pediatric obesity treatment, few studies have investigated the effectiveness of interventions that target parents exclusively. Moreover, the effectiveness of this approach has not been adequately assessed with racially diverse families, particularly African Americans(AA), a group at high risk for elevated Body Mass Index (BMI).

Methods: NOURISH (Nourishing Our Understanding of Role modeling to Improve Support and Health) is a culturally-sensitive parenting intervention targeting overweight (AA) children (ages 6-11; MBMI = 98.0%ile). Families (N = 84; 61% AA, 37% White) were randomly assigned to NOURISH or a control group.

Results: NOURISH families significantly improved on child BMI from pre- to post-testing after adjustment for random effects, baseline BMI, and child race. NOURISH parents were very satisfied with the intervention and would recommend it to other parents; 91% strongly or moderately agreed that NOURISH helped them eat in a healthier manner.

Conclusions: These pilot data suggest that NOURISH is acceptable and, with refinement, offers promise for reducing pediatric BMI. Outcomes, lessons learned, and parent feedback will inform a larger randomized controlled trial.

Keywords: African American; Intervention; Overweight; Parenting; Pediatric obesity.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest Statement: The authors report no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure A
Figure A
Participant Flow through the Study
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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