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Peer-Enhanced Weight Management Treatment for Overweight Adolescents: Some Preliminary Findings

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of adding a peer-based intervention (peer-based skills training [PBST]) to a traditional cognitive–behavioral weight management intervention for overweight adolescents. Sixteen adolescents between the ages of 13 and 16 years and between 30 and 80$percnt; overweight participated in a 16-week group-based weight management program with the addition of peer-based skills training. Adolescents and parents separately attended 60-min group sessions addressing diet, physical activity, and behavior modification techniques. In addition, adolescents attended a 90-min PBST session each week. Group activities included both mental and physical challenges that fostered development of trust, social skills, and self-confidence. Measures of height and weight, as well as questionnaires assessing self-concept, physical self-worth, and social functioning, were obtained prior to treatment, immediately following the 16-week intervention, and 6 months after completion of active treatment. Paired t tests revealed significant improvements over time in measures of physical self-worth, physical appearance and romantic appeal. Adolescents lost an average of 14.73 pounds from the start to end of treatment, and this was maintained at 6-month follow-up. These preliminary findings provide some support for the application of a novel peer-based program as an adjunctive treatment for adolescent weight management intervention.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence Rhode Island

    Elissa Jelalian & Robyn Mehlenbeck

  2. Division of Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, The Miriam Hospital, Providence Rhode Island

    Elissa Jelalian

  3. Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown Medical School, Providence Rhode Island

    Elissa Jelalian & Robyn Mehlenbeck

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  1. Elissa Jelalian
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  2. Robyn Mehlenbeck
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Jelalian, E., Mehlenbeck, R. Peer-Enhanced Weight Management Treatment for Overweight Adolescents: Some Preliminary Findings. Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings 9, 15–23 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1014179811950

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