AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Multidisciplinary Program Combining Medical, Counseling, and Behavior Modification Services Helps Overweight Children and Adolescents Lose Weight, Reduce Body Mass Index

Innovation Profile:


Multidisciplinary Program Combining Medical, Counseling, and Behavior Modification Services Helps Overweight Children and Adolescents Lose Weight, Reduce Body Mass Index

Related Profiles:
.Staged Weight Management Program Helps Overweight Children Reduce Caloric Intake and Body Mass Index
.Family-Oriented Program Combines Medical Care and Behavioral Counseling, Leading to Health Improvements in Obese Children and Adolescents


Summary
The Optimal Weight for Life (OWL) program is a comprehensive, multidisciplinary clinic that provides an initial evaluation and ongoing medical, nutritional counseling, and behavior modification services to overweight and obese children and adolescents and their families. The OWL-developed low glycemic index diet has been shown to positively impact weight-related clinical outcomes, including body mass index, fat mass, body weight, and insulin resistance.


Evidence Rating
Strong: The evidence consists of a randomized controlled trial and a retrospective cohort study evaluating key outcomes measures related to OWL's low glycemic diet.


Developing Organizations
Children's Hospital of Boston


Date First Implemented
1996


Patient Population
Age > Adolescent (13-18 years); Child (6-12 years); Vulnerable Populations > Children; Impoverished; Medically or socially complex; Racial minorities; Urban populationsend pp


full-text:
AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Multidisciplinary Program Combining Medical, Counseling, and Behavior Modification Services Helps Overweight Children and Adolescents Lose Weight, Reduce Body Mass Index