Childhood obesity is a growing concern worldwide, with one in five children in the U.S. affected. In southern Italy, four in 10 children are overweight despite it being the birthplace of the highly praised Mediterranean Diet. And South Korea is now has the highest obesity rate in East Asia among children and adolescents. And that’s just in the news this week. The list grows and grows.
While traditional obesity treatment methods have been effective, they often come with significant barriers, such as time commitment, cost, and access to specialized care. However, a new clinical trial from UC San Diego suggests that a self-guided version of Family-Based Treatment (FBT) could be a game-changer, offering a more accessible, affordable, and equally effective alternative.
What is family-based treatment?
FBT is a well-established approach to treating childhood obesity that involves working closely with families to promote healthier behaviors. Traditionally, healthcare professionals guide families through a structured program focused on encouraging physical activity, teaching healthy eating habits, and developing age-appropriate behavioral skills.
The new study from UC San Diego’s Center for Healthy Eating and Activity Research (CHEAR) found that self-guided FBT provides the same benefits while reducing the time, cost, and scheduling constraints associated with clinician-led programs.
A more flexible, cost-effective approach
Dr. Kerri Boutelle, senior study author and director of CHEAR, highlighted the limitations of traditional FBT:
While effective, it can be time-intensive, expensive, and offered at limited times, making it difficult for many families to participate.
In contrast, self-guided FBT condenses the program significantly. Instead of the traditional 26 hours of treatment over six months, the self-guided model requires only five hours of treatment within the same timeframe. Families complete 20-minute sessions every other week without the need for a trained clinician, making it a viable option for busy households and those facing financial challenges.
The importance of family involvement
Unlike adult obesity, which is often addressed individually, research shows that a family-based approach is most effective for children. Traditional FBT typically involves parents and their children (ages 8-15) in small group sessions, fostering a supportive environment. However, Dr. Boutelle’s research suggests that direct work with parents — rather than relying on group sessions or extensive clinician involvement — is the key to success.
She said:
While some families may benefit from the standard approach, providing more flexible and accessible alternatives like self-guided FBT can help us make a wider impact on childhood obesity.
Dr. Boutelle emphasized that this model allows treatment to be delivered in medical offices, enabling physicians and healthcare providers to support families without requiring extensive training.
Addressing the complexity of childhood obesity
Obesity in children is a multifaceted issue influenced by diet, physical activity, genetics, and environmental factors. Key contributors include:
- Diet: High consumption of sugary drinks, processed foods, and large portion sizes.
- Physical Activity: Sedentary lifestyles, excessive screen time, and limited exercise.
- Genetics: Some children may be genetically predisposed to weight gain.
- Environment: Accessibility to unhealthy foods, lack of safe spaces for physical activity, and social norms promoting sedentary habits.
With obesity linked to serious health concerns such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and mental health issues, accessible and effective treatments are crucial. The self-guided FBT model offers a promising solution, making evidence-based care more widely available to families who might otherwise struggle to access traditional programs.
Looking ahead
The findings from UC San Diego’s research underscore the need for innovative approaches to tackling childhood obesity. By offering a flexible, cost-effective, and family-centered solution, self-guided FBT has the potential to reach more families and create lasting health improvements for children nationwide.
As Dr. Boutelle puts it:
There’s no reason to require extensive in-person treatment when we can achieve the same results in a way that fits into families’ lives more easily. Our goal is to ensure that more children receive the help they need without unnecessary barriers.
With ongoing efforts to expand awareness and accessibility, self-guided FBT could soon become a standard tool in the fight against childhood obesity.
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Source: “UC San Diego clinical trial: Family-based treatment best for obese children,” SDNews.com, 2/14/25
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