Kids N Fitness Junior: Outcomes of an Evidence-Based Adapted Weight Management Program for Children Ages Three–Seven Years

Abstract

Background:

Few weight management interventions target young children with obesity from low-income minority families.

Objective:

To conduct a nonrandomized, pragmatic, pilot study of an adapted, evidence-based, weight management program (Kids N Fitness [KNF]) customized for children ages 3–7 years (Kids N Fitness Jr. [KNF-JR]) on changes in adiposity, nutrition, and physical activity behaviors.

Methods:

One hundred eighty children (ages 3–16) with ≥85th percentile BMI and their parents participated in one of two 6-week weight management interventions dependent on the child's age: KNF-JR: 3–7 or regular KNF: 8–16. Comparisons were made between baseline anthropometrics and health questionnaire responses, and those from weeks 6 to 18. Two-sample tests for equality of proportions with continuity were used to measure proportions of success between KNF-JR and KNF.

Results:

At week 6, both cohorts showed a mean decrease in BMI z-score (zBMI) of −0.02 (p = 0.3 for KNF-JR [n = 43]; p = 0.02 for KNF [n = 59], with no significant group differences. Among program completers, 75% of KNF-JR and 83% of KNF maintained or lowered zBMI at week 18 (within-group difference p < 0.01). On average across all participants, at week 18 vs. baseline, improvements occurred in screen time (p < 0.01 KNF-JR, p < 0.02 KNF), sweetened beverage intake (p < 0.01 KNF-JR, p = 0.03 KNF), physical activity (p < 0.01 KNF-JR and KNF), and water (p = 0.01 KNF-JR, non-significant KNF) and vegetable (p < 0.01 KNF-JR, p = 0.02 KNF) consumption.

Conclusion:

This pilot demonstrated that an evidence-based weight management program can be adapted for all age groups and results in improved BMI status. Larger, randomized controlled trials are needed to verify effectiveness and sustained impact.