Parent involvement is associated with early success in obesity treatment.

Objective: The study examined the influence of parent involvement and family factors on body mass index (BMI) change in a pediatric obesity treatment program.
Methods: A total of 104 children and their caregivers were examined during a 12-week obesity intervention. Participants (mean age = 11.42 years; SD = 2.83) and their caregivers completed measures of family environment and depression prior to enrollment. Children's BMI and parental involvement were rated weekly during the intervention. Logistic regressions were conducted to examine the role of sociodemographic factors, family characteristics, and parent involvement on weight.
Results: Children with the lowest parent involvement were less likely to lose any weight or have clinically significant (>or=2 kg) weight loss. Demographics and family factors did not predict BMI change. Parent involvement related to ethnicity, absences and physical activity.
Conclusions: Parental involvement may be helpful in identifying who is likely to do well in a weight loss program.