Skip to main content
Journal cover image

Ignoring regression to the mean leads to unsupported conclusion about obesity.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Skinner, AC; Heymsfield, SB; Pietrobelli, A; Faith, MS; Allison, DB
Published in: Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act
May 7, 2015

Childhood obesity remains a substantial health concern for our population and thoughtful attempts to develop and evaluate the utility of programs to reduce childhood obesity levels are needed. Unfortunately, we believe the conclusion by Burke et al. that the HealthMPowers program produces positive change in body composition is incorrect because the results obtained are likely due to regression to the mean (RTM), a well-known threat to the validity of studies that is often overlooked. Using empirical data, we demonstrate that RTM is likely to be the cause for the changes reported. A more reasonable conclusion than the one of effectiveness the authors offered would be that the results did not support the effectiveness of the intervention. Public health officials, parents, school leaders, community leaders, and regulators need and deserve valid evidence free from spin on which they can base decisions.

Duke Scholars

Altmetric Attention Stats
Dimensions Citation Stats

Published In

Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act

DOI

EISSN

1479-5868

Publication Date

May 7, 2015

Volume

12

Start / End Page

56

Location

England

Related Subject Headings

  • Public Health
  • Pediatric Obesity
  • Overweight
  • Motor Activity
  • Male
  • Humans
  • Health Promotion
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Health Behavior
  • Female
 

Citation

APA
Chicago
ICMJE
MLA
NLM
Skinner, A. C., Heymsfield, S. B., Pietrobelli, A., Faith, M. S., & Allison, D. B. (2015). Ignoring regression to the mean leads to unsupported conclusion about obesity. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act, 12, 56. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12966-015-0212-6
Skinner, Asheley Cockrell, Steven B. Heymsfield, Angelo Pietrobelli, Myles S. Faith, and David B. Allison. “Ignoring regression to the mean leads to unsupported conclusion about obesity.Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 12 (May 7, 2015): 56. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12966-015-0212-6.
Skinner AC, Heymsfield SB, Pietrobelli A, Faith MS, Allison DB. Ignoring regression to the mean leads to unsupported conclusion about obesity. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act. 2015 May 7;12:56.
Skinner, Asheley Cockrell, et al. “Ignoring regression to the mean leads to unsupported conclusion about obesity.Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act, vol. 12, May 2015, p. 56. Pubmed, doi:10.1186/s12966-015-0212-6.
Skinner AC, Heymsfield SB, Pietrobelli A, Faith MS, Allison DB. Ignoring regression to the mean leads to unsupported conclusion about obesity. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act. 2015 May 7;12:56.
Journal cover image

Published In

Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act

DOI

EISSN

1479-5868

Publication Date

May 7, 2015

Volume

12

Start / End Page

56

Location

England

Related Subject Headings

  • Public Health
  • Pediatric Obesity
  • Overweight
  • Motor Activity
  • Male
  • Humans
  • Health Promotion
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Health Behavior
  • Female