Evaluation of a community-based weight management program for overweight and obese adolescents: The Loozit study

Aim: To evaluate a community-based weight management program for overweight and obese adolescents aged 13-16 years. Methods: The present study was a group-based intervention over five months conducted in Australian community health centres. Program evaluation questionnaires were completed by adolescents and their parents. Seven semi-structured group sessions were held for adolescents: weekly for four weeks and then at two, four and five months. The program sessions focused on healthy eating, increasing physical activity, decreasing sedentary behaviour and increasing self-esteem. Adolescents' anthropometry, blood pressure and fasting blood biochemistry were measured. Adolescents completed validated questionnaires on diet, physical activity and self-esteem. Results: Twenty-two overweight and obese adolescents were recruited with a median body mass index (BMI) z-score 2.30. Recruitment strategies were identified and a high retention rate (91%) was achieved. The program was well received by adolescents. Parents reported their adolescents were making healthier food choices and increasing physical activity. At treatment end there were clinically significant improvements in self-perception scores for physical appearance and romantic appeal (P < 0.05), waist circumference (median 100.1 cm vs 97.1 cm; P < 0.0001) and HDL cholesterol (median 1.10 mmol/L vs 1.20 mmol/L; P = 0.02), but not BMI or BMI z-score. Conclusions: The Loozit weight management intervention is one of the first to involve adolescents in the evaluation of the program and to operate at a sustainable intensity in an accessible community setting. The present study provides valuable insights into the elements of a program that is acceptable to adolescents.