Overcoming Barriers in Pediatric Obesity Treatment: Insights from the FABO Study

Pediatric obesity is a growing concern worldwide, and family-based behavioral treatments (FBSFT) have been a cornerstone in addressing this issue. However, despite their potential effectiveness, these programs often face high dropout rates. The recent FABO study sheds light on the perceived barriers that families encounter during treatment and offers valuable insights for practitioners aiming to improve their skills and treatment outcomes.

Understanding the FABO Study

The FABO study focused on identifying perceived barriers among families participating in FBSFT for pediatric obesity. Conducted with 90 families of children and adolescents with severe obesity, the study utilized the Barriers to Treatment Participation Scale (BTPS) to evaluate factors affecting treatment adherence. The BTPS includes four subscales:

• Stressors and obstacles that compete with treatment
• Treatment demands and issues
• Perceived relevance of treatment
• Relationship with the therapist

The study found that families who did not complete the treatment scored significantly higher on stressors and perceived relevance of treatment subscales compared to those who completed it. This highlights two critical areas where practitioners can focus their efforts to enhance engagement and reduce dropout rates.

Key Takeaways for Practitioners

1. Addressing Life Stressors

Families often face numerous stressors that compete with treatment priorities. Practitioners can help by:

• Providing flexible scheduling options to accommodate family commitments
• Offering support resources such as counseling or stress management workshops
• Creating a supportive environment where families feel comfortable discussing their challenges

2. Enhancing Treatment Relevance

Ensuring that families perceive the treatment as relevant and beneficial is crucial. Consider these strategies:

• Personalizing treatment plans to align with family goals and expectations
• Regularly reviewing progress with families to reinforce the value of continued participation
• Incorporating family feedback into program adjustments to better meet their needs

3. Strengthening Therapist Relationships

A strong therapeutic alliance can significantly impact treatment adherence. Practitioners should focus on:

• Building trust through consistent communication and empathy
• Engaging in active listening to understand family concerns fully
• Providing clear explanations of treatment processes and expected outcomes

The Path Forward: Encouraging Further Research

The insights from the FABO study are just the beginning. Practitioners are encouraged to delve deeper into understanding barriers in pediatric obesity treatments by conducting further research or participating in professional development opportunities. By continuously improving our understanding of these challenges, we can enhance our therapeutic approaches and ultimately improve outcomes for children battling obesity.

To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Perceived barriers in family-based behavioural treatment of paediatric obesity – Results from the FABO study.