Effectiveness of a structured physical activity community based intervention for children who are overweight

Background: Obese children who participate in moderate to high-intensity weight-management programs often have improvements in their weight. A previously existing adult community exercise facility in Boston added a unique and innovative child friendly exercise facility to provide physical activity for overweight children. Body by Brandy is the first kid's gym where providers can refer young people who are diagnosed as being overweight.

Method: To connect children over the 84th percentile for their weight to a child oriented structured physical activity and wellness program in a low-income minority community where the rates of childhood obesity are disproportionately high. Providers from Children's Hospital Boston's weight management programs as well as from community health centers refer children. At this gym, the patients receive physical activity intervention, free of charge for 12 weeks. All children who come at least 12 times from the participating health centers are included in this study. The initial as well as the BMI percentile at 1 year follow-up is obtained from the health centers to assess change.

Results: 207 children have been enrolled into the gym from the referring health centers. Of them 39% are males and 61% females. Most of them are between 7-15 years of age, and children of color. One year follow-up results are being collected to monitor the change in the z-score versus those who did not receive a structured physical activity intervention.

Conclusion: More community based interventions providing structured physical activity for children are needed to help better manage weight and promote healthy lifestyle changes.