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| Traffic Light Programme |
Weight Concern has successfully piloted a new
obesity treatment programme for children, the Traffic Light Programme, in partnership
with Great Ormond Street Hospital. This is the first time this programme, originally
developed in America, has been offered in the UK.
Background
The number of obese children has increased dramatically. In the United Kingdom, more
than 350,000 children under 16 are obese and at risk of serious health problems.
- more than 60% of overweight children have at least one heart disease risk factor
- type II diabetes, which once affected only adults, is now being diagnosed in obese teenagers
- evidence shows that obese children are likely to become obese teenagers and adults, with all the health risks that this entails
- obesity can damage children's psychological well-being, contributing to anxiety and depression
- obese children are often subject to teasing and bullying, with potentially devastating effects on their self-esteem
Despite the problems and risks of childhood obesity, treatment options and services are almost
non-existent.
What the programme involves
Weight Concern's Traffic Light Programme covers exercise, social support and healthy eating. All
members of the family are encouraged to eat more healthily, be more active and support the child.
A key part of the programme, however, is the psychology-based support and training offered to
families, showing how they can change current behaviours.
What next?
The pilot, which involved thirty families over a three- to six- month period, has been successful.
Despite there being no other effective treatments available nationwide, this programme cannot be
offered through the NHS without evidence from a randomised controlled trial. The trial is necessary
to show whether the treatment programme:
- is consistently effective for a larger number of families
- continues working over a longer period of time
- is more effective (and cost effective) than the current practice of giving dietary advice to parents
Weight Concern is now seeking more families to take part in the Children's treatment trial, which
will compare this treatment with another treatment options and at the same time, give families and
children access to treatments and support not yet available on the NHS.
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Children's treatment trial
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