Obese kids need more than information

U.S. researchers found obese children are hindered by getting "just information," but are helped by intervention geared to changing bad habits.

A review, published in Health Psychology, reveals children who do not receive an offer for intervention or who receive only information tend to experience weight gains of over 2 percent. However, children given direct guidance get into better shape -- experiencing an 8 percent to 9 percent reduction in weight.

"Providers make the assumption that providing information leads to changes," lead author Denise Wilfley, of Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, said in a statement. "Providing information is a necessary component, but it's not sufficient."

After looking at 14 studies involving 527 children, the researchers concluded children need interventions that provide guidance that is active and strategies to help them make behavioral changes.

•	Obese kids need more than information United Press International, Thursday, Sept. 27, 2007 Byline: UPI staff

	Story also ran in 2 others:  Science Daily and Earthtimes.org