Fit Families Program Improves Self-Perception in Children

Abstract

Objective: To determine the impact of the Fit Families youth weight management program on self-perception of participants.

Methods: Fit Families was delivered through Cooperative Extension and provided education to overweight and obese children and their families on healthful eating and physical activity along with building self-esteem and social competence. At the beginning and end of the 7-week program, a convenience sample of 46 youth completed the Self-Perception Profile for Children questionnaire to evaluate changes in self-perception.

Results: Youth had improved self-perception in the areas of athletic competence (P = .04) and physical appearance (P = .007) after participating in Fit Families.

Conclusions and implications: Fit Families provides a holistic approach to weight management that promotes positive self-perception, which may decrease the burden of depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem obese youth face.

Keywords: childhood obesity; childhood overweight; family intervention; nutrition education; self-perception.