Predicting long-term success in adolescents’ overweight reduction after participation in a lifestyle intervention trial

Abstract

Background: Overweight, but not obese children and adolescents are an important, yet understudied target group for weight management interventions. The present study aims to analyse which characteristics of overweight participants predict long-term success of a youth lifestyle intervention. Methods: Data are from a long-term follow-up on a RCT. Overall, 49 participants (43.8%; baseline age 8-16 years) took part in a follow-up measurement 5 to 8.5 years after completing the intervention. The study was approved by the ethics committee of Bielefeld University. Changes in BMI z-score between baseline and follow-up will be regressed on baseline characteristics and changes during treatment. Socio-demographic and anthropometric variables, health behaviours, and well-being will be analysed as potential predictors. Expected results: Initial evaluation shows that the intervention overall resulted in a stable weight reduction, but not all participants were successful. Results for the potential predictors of weight reduction are presented. Because of the small sample size mainly bivariate analyses will be used. Preliminary analyses point to changes in well-being as main predictors of success. Current stage of work: The follow-up measurement is completed, and data cleaning is in progress. Discussion: The study contributes to knowledge on a somewhat neglected target group for prevention and on the predictors of long-term success of youth weight management interventions. Knowledge on predictors of success is important for improving interventions for thus far unsuccessful participants. The study is limited by a high attrition rate. However, successful and unsuccessful participants are included, and most drop-out was due to missing contact information.