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Psychosocial outcomes in a weight loss camp for overweight youth.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Quinlan, NP; Kolotkin, RL; Fuemmeler, BF; Costanzo, PR
Published in: Int J Pediatr Obes
2009

OBJECTIVE: There is good evidence that youth attending weight loss camps in the UK and US are successful at achieving weight loss. Limited research suggests improvement in body image and self-esteem as well. This study evaluated changes in eight psychosocial variables following participation in a weight loss camp and examined the role of gender, age, length of stay, and body mass index (BMI) in these changes. METHODS: This was an observational and self-report study of 130 participants (mean age = 12.8; mean BMI = 33.5; 70% female; 77% Caucasian). The program consisted of an 1800 kcal/day diet, daily supervised physical activities, cooking/nutrition classes, and weekly psycho-educational/support groups led by psychology staff. Participants completed measures of anti-fat attitudes, values (e.g., value placed on appearance, athletic ability, popularity), body- and self-esteem, weight- and health-related quality of life, self-efficacy, and depressive symptoms. RESULTS: Participants experienced significant BMI reduction (average decrease of 7.5 kg [standard deviation, SD = 4.2] and 2.9 BMI points [SD = 1.4]). Participants also exhibited significant improvements in body esteem, self-esteem, self-efficacy, generic and weight-related quality of life, anti-fat attitudes, and the importance placed on appearance. Changes in self-efficacy, physical functioning and social functioning remained significant even after adjusting for initial zBMI, BMI change, and length of stay. Gender differences were found on changes in self-efficacy, depressive symptoms, and social functioning. CONCLUSION: Participation in weight loss programs in a group setting, such as a camp, may have added benefit beyond BMI reduction. Greater attention to changes in psychosocial variables may be warranted when designing such programs for youth.

Duke Scholars

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Published In

Int J Pediatr Obes

DOI

EISSN

1747-7174

Publication Date

2009

Volume

4

Issue

3

Start / End Page

134 / 142

Location

England

Related Subject Headings

  • Weight Loss
  • Sex Characteristics
  • Self Concept
  • Quality of Life
  • Overweight
  • Male
  • Humans
  • Female
  • Endocrinology & Metabolism
  • Camping
 

Citation

APA
Chicago
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Quinlan, N. P., Kolotkin, R. L., Fuemmeler, B. F., & Costanzo, P. R. (2009). Psychosocial outcomes in a weight loss camp for overweight youth. Int J Pediatr Obes, 4(3), 134–142. https://doi.org/10.1080/17477160802613372
Quinlan, Nicole P., Ronette L. Kolotkin, Bernard F. Fuemmeler, and Philip R. Costanzo. “Psychosocial outcomes in a weight loss camp for overweight youth.Int J Pediatr Obes 4, no. 3 (2009): 134–42. https://doi.org/10.1080/17477160802613372.
Quinlan NP, Kolotkin RL, Fuemmeler BF, Costanzo PR. Psychosocial outcomes in a weight loss camp for overweight youth. Int J Pediatr Obes. 2009;4(3):134–42.
Quinlan, Nicole P., et al. “Psychosocial outcomes in a weight loss camp for overweight youth.Int J Pediatr Obes, vol. 4, no. 3, 2009, pp. 134–42. Pubmed, doi:10.1080/17477160802613372.
Quinlan NP, Kolotkin RL, Fuemmeler BF, Costanzo PR. Psychosocial outcomes in a weight loss camp for overweight youth. Int J Pediatr Obes. 2009;4(3):134–142.

Published In

Int J Pediatr Obes

DOI

EISSN

1747-7174

Publication Date

2009

Volume

4

Issue

3

Start / End Page

134 / 142

Location

England

Related Subject Headings

  • Weight Loss
  • Sex Characteristics
  • Self Concept
  • Quality of Life
  • Overweight
  • Male
  • Humans
  • Female
  • Endocrinology & Metabolism
  • Camping