Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Details

Morgan, P., Lubans, D. R., Callister, R., Okely, A. D., Burrows, T., Fletcher, R. & Collins, C. (2011). The Healthy Dads, Healthy Kids randomized controlled trial: Efficacy of a healthy lifestyle program for overweight fathers and their children. International Journal of Obesity, 35 (3), 436-447.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of the ‘Healthy Dads, Healthy Kids’ (HDHK) program, which was designed to help overweight fathers lose weight and be a role model of positive health behaviors for their children.

Design: Randomized controlled trial. Participants: A total of 53 overweight/obese men (mean (s.d.) age=40.6 (7.1) years; body mass index (BMI)=33.2 (3.9)) and their primary school-aged children (n=71, 54% boys; mean (s.d.) age=8.2 (2.0) years) were randomly assigned (family unit) to either (i) the HDHK program (n=27 fathers, n=39 children) or (ii) a wait-list control group (n=26 fathers, n=32 children).

Intervention: Fathers in the 3-month program attended eight face-to-face education sessions. Children attended three of these sessions.

Outcomes: The primary outcome was fathers’ weight. Fathers and their children were assessed at baseline, and at 3- and 6-month follow-up, for weight, waist circumference, BMI, blood pressure, resting heart rate (RHR), objectively measured physical activity and self-reported dietary intake.

Results: Intention-to-treat analysis revealed significant between-group differences at 6 months for weight loss (Pd=0.54) than control group fathers (0.0 kg; 95% CI −1.4, 1.6). Significant treatment effects (Pd=0.62), BMI (d=0.53), systolic blood pressure (d=0.92), RHR (d=0.66) and physical activity (d=0.91), but not for dietary intake. In children, significant treatment effects (Pd=0.74), RHR (d=0.51) and dietary intake (d=0.84).

Conclusion: The HDHK program resulted in significant weight loss and improved health-related outcomes in fathers and improved eating and physical activity among children. Targeting fathers is a novel and efficacious approach to improving health behavior in their children.

RIS ID

34696

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