Clinically effective child change in family-based behavioral treatment for pediatric obesity: An individual participant mega-analysis.
Health PsycholJun 11, 2026 (epub)
Leonard H Epstein, Nicholas V Neuwald, Rocco A Paluch et al.
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In 30 seconds
This meta-analysis evaluated the clinical effectiveness of family-based behavioral treatment (FBT) for pediatric obesity in 1,098 children aged 6-12 years. Results indicated that 70% of participants achieved a clinically significant zBMI change of -0.25, and 29% reversed their obesity status at 6 months. The study highlights the long-term benefits of FBT.
Key findings
- 70% of children met the -0.25 zBMI criteria for clinical significance.
- 29% of participants reversed their obesity status at 6 months.
- Younger children showed greater zBMI change up to 24 months.
- Long-term effects of FBT were stable or improving over time.
Why it matters
Understanding the clinical effectiveness of FBT provides valuable insights for clinicians treating pediatric obesity, emphasizing the importance of long-term outcomes in managing weight and preventing cardiometabolic diseases in children.