Decreasing sedentary behaviors in treating pediatric obesity

Background: Epidemiogical studies have shown television watching to be a ri sk factor for the development of obesity in children. The effect of reducin g television watching and other sedentary behaviors as a component of a com prehensive obesity treatment program has not been thoroughly tested. Objective: To compare the influence of targeting decreases in sedentary beh avior vs increases in physical activity in the comprehensive treatment of o besity in 8- to 12-year-old children. Design: Randomized, controlled outcome study. Setting: Childhood obesity research clinic. Design: Ninety families with obese 8- to 12-year-old children were randomly assigned to groups that were provided a comprehensive family-based behavio ral weight control program that included dietary and behavior change inform ation but differed in whether sedentary or physically active behaviors were targeted and the degree of behavior change required. Results: Results during 2 years showed that targeting either decreased sede ntary behaviors or increased physical activity was associated with signific ant decreases in percent overweight and body fat and improved aerobic fitne ss. Self-reported activity minutes increased and targeted sedentary time de creased during treatment. Children substituted nontargeted sedentary behavi ors for some of their targeted sedentary behaviors. Conclusion: These results support reducing sedentary behaviors as an adjunc t in the treatment of pediatric obesity.