Pediatric primary care clinicians can have a positive impact on children’s BMI, provided they are compensated, trained, and continuously supported by behavioral specialists, according to an efficacy trial of 139 subjects.

The study – involving 8- to 12-year-olds – compared intervening with either a 12-session, year-long sweetened beverage reduction program or a comprehensive diet and exercise program. Both interventions were compared with usual care.

Noting that recruitment rate was low, investigators found that the increase in BMI of those in either intervention (n=139 from 11 practices) was less than half that of those getting usual care (n=33 from 5 practices).

Despite the small sample, researchers concluded that families can benefit from an intervention that includes a trained clinician and behavioral health support.

Citation: Stettler N, Wrotniajk, BH, Hill DL et al. Prevention of excess weight gain in pediatric primary care: beverages only or multiple lifestyle factors. The Smart Step Study, a cluster-randomized clinical trial. Pediatr Obes. 2015;10(4):267-274.