Assessing the acceptability and feasibility of the MEND programme in a small group of obese 7-11-year-old children

Background and aims An uncontrolled, pilot study to evaluate feasibility and acceptability of a new community based childhood obesity treatment programme. Methods The mind, exercise, nutrition and diet (MEND) programme was held at a sports centre, twice-weekly, for 3 months. The programme consists of behaviour modification, physical activity and nutrition education. The primary outcome measure was waist circumference. Secondary outcomes were body mass index (BMI), cardiovascular fitness (heart rate, blood pressure and number of steps in 2 min), self-esteem and body composition. BMI of parents was also measured. See http://www.mendprogramme.org. Results Eleven obese children (7-11 years) and their families were recruited. Mean attendance was 78% (range 63-88%) with one drop out. Waist circumference, cardiovascular fitness and self-esteem were all significantly improved at 3 months and continued to improve at 6 months. BMI was significantly improved at 3 months but lost significance by 6 months. Deuterium studies showed a beneficial trend but were not significant. Of the 17 parents measured, seven were obese (BMI greater than or equal to 30) and eight overweight (BMI greater than or equal to 25). Conclusions Although limited by the small number of participants and no control group, the MEND programme was acceptable to families and produced significant improvements in a range of risk factors associated with obesity that persisted over 3 months.