Obese Teen Girls Respond Well to Diet, Exercise Intervention

A new study from the American Academy of Pediatrics finds that obese teen girls respond positively to medical weight loss interventions and health education from their doctors and in clinical settings. Here is information for parents about study findings.

* According to the CDC , 17 percent of kids and teens ages 2-19 are clinically obese. Web MD says teen girls are particularly vulnerable to weight problems especially as they enter puberty and adolescence. Girls tend to become less physically active in the teen years and so it's more difficult for them to keep weight down.

* Along with hormonal changes, overeating and under-exercising in teen girls, obesity also stems from genetics and family health issues. Depression, problems in the home life and anger issues play a part, says the Mayo Clinic . Recently, the Canadian National Post reported on a study that showed that obese teen girls are more likely to be bullies and to express their emotional issues by victimizing others, too.

* Doctors in the Pediatrics also noted that until now, childhood obesity programs have focused on children under age 12 in whole-family treatment programs. Doctors reasoned that at age 12, girls are beginning to be more independent from parent influence. They are making more conscious choices and impacting their own lives to a greater degree.

* Over five months, girls met (separately from families) at clinics and participated in health training and activities. Study authors de-emphasized strictly caloric intake and worked on making healthier food choices: portion control, setting regular meal times, substituting water for sugared beverages, eating less fast food, snacking less and replacing high energy-dense foods with low energy-dense foods. In parallel meetings, parents explored healthier family meals, too.

* Girls participated in yoga, stretching and exercise video games like "Dance, Dance Revolution." They found that making exercise fun helped the girls to keep up with their fitness goals. They recommend that parents consider less sedentary gaming choices.

* Last April PubMed published a report that underscored the value of "exergaming." They used six interactive games like DDR, Trazer, Lightspace, Nintendo Wii, Sportwall and Xavix to reduce childhood obesity and increase kids' exercise levels. They reported good results. .

* They were encouraged to limit screen time and increase physical activity to 30-60 minutes daily. In group talk therapy, girls explored affective issues: coping with depression and anger, body image and sleep concerns.

* In the parent sessions, study authors worked with parents on setting regular family mealtimes, helping girls set and keep health goals, emotional health needs and understanding the unique needs of teen girls. Doctors shared with parents the tools they used with the girls and encouraged them to duplicate at home.

* Study authors concluded that though impact on the girl's BMIs were modest, they said that in further studies they would involve parents more and focus more on stricter caloric intake and exercise goals.