Examination of the Acceptance and Feasibility of Implementing the American Diabetes Association's Camp Power Up Program on Changes in Body Weight and Quality of Life Measures in Children

Obesity affects 17% of children and adolescents in the U.S. Children are entrenched in an obesogenic environment, often with little support in the home, school, or medical environment to make healthy choices. Obesity is increasingly common in underserved communities that lack access and resources for physical activity and healthy eating. Louisiana is a prime example of the need for effective obesity treatment, ranking 1st nationally for adult obesity and 4th for adolescent obesity with the highest obesity prevalence among African American adolescents. We urgently need evidence-based programs to help children and families change lifestyle behaviors, achieve clinically significant weight loss, and thereby reduce the prevalence of pediatric obesity.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force identifies behavioral treatment including dietary, physical activity, and behavioral counseling components as a viable option for pediatric obesity treatment, yet a key challenge is how to implement these programs to maximize access and participation. Summer (between school years) represents an opportunity for intensive intervention to change health behaviors and help children to lose weight. During the summer months, children gain weight at a more rapid pace and spend more time engaged in sedentary behavior compared to the school year.

The American Diabetes Association launched Camp Power Up as a summer week-long day camp for youth who are obese and/or at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes. The camp will focus on wellness education, nutrition, physical activity, and obesity prevention. The purpose of the proposed study is to examine effects of Camp Power Up on children's weight status and their psycho-social health.