The NEW Keiki Program Reduces BMI z-scores Among Overweight and Obese Children and BMI Among Their Adult Caregivers in Hawai'i.

The high prevalence of childhood obesity highlights the need for effective weight management interventions. This study evaluated a family-based weight management program (Nutrition+Exercise+Weight Management; NEW Keiki) in overweight and obese children and their adult caregivers. Data were collected on overweight (body mass index, BMI = 85th-94th percentile) and obese (BMI > 95th percentile) children (n = 75, 5-14 years) and their adult caregivers (n = 104). Seventy-one percent of the enrolled children identified as Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and/or Filipino (NHPI+F). Families participated weekly in a multidisciplinary lifestyle program for 8-9 weeks (intervention phase); follow-up visits occurred at 6-months and 12-months post-intervention. Long-term data (14-50 months post intervention) were collected by chart review for the children. Change in children's BMI z-score and adult BMI were analyzed. The effects of ethnicity, acceptance of government assistance, and program attendance were evaluated. Participants identifying as NHPI+F and/or receiving government assistance had higher baseline BMI z-scores and BMIs. In children, BMI z-score decreased from baseline at all evaluation visits (-0.05 at 2 months [P < .001], -0.07 at 6-month follow-up [P < .001], -0.04 at 12-month follow-up [P = .05], -0.06 at long-term follow-up [P = .01]). At the 2 month visit BMI decreased from baseline for adults (-0.39 [P < .001]). Decreases in BMI z-score and BMI were independent of program attendance, ethnicity, and acceptance of government assistance. This study, unique in its inclusion of both adults and overweight children, supports the effectiveness of a community-developed program to address weight management in an ethnically diverse population.