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.