BACKGROUND: One of the basic principles of behavioral economics interventions is identification of alternative behaviors to compete with the reinforcing value of a highly rewarding commodity. PURPOSE: Two experiments that attempt to increase alternatives to eating in obese youth are presented. METHODS: A randomized, controlled trial was used in Study 1 to compare a comprehensive family-based behavioral treatment program or an experimental treatment that incorporated reinforcing children for engaging in alternative behaviors to eating for 41 overweight 8- to 12-year-old children. Study 2 used a within-subject design with baseline, enriched environment and a second baseline phase to determine the influence of providing activities that compete with eating for 13 overweight 8- to 12-year-old children. Measurements included body mass index (BMI) change, alternatives to eating, eating, and physical activity. RESULTS: In Study 1 both treatments were associated with significant (p < .05) and maintained reductions in z-BMI over the 24 months of observation. The experimental group showed a significantly (p < .05) greater increase in alternatives to eating, and both groups showed significant (p < .05) increases in physical activity. In Study 2 alternative behaviors to eating were increased by almost 1 hr/day (p < .001) but were not associated with significant changes in energy intake or physical activity. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that using the methods studied, increasing behaviors that could compete with eating did not influence relative weight in a clinical outcome study or energy intake in a controlled field study.
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BACKGROUND: One of the basic principles of behavioral economics interventions is identification of alternative behaviors to compete with the reinforcing value of a highly rewarding commodity. PURPOSE: Two experiments that attempt to increase alternatives to eating in obese youth are presented. METHODS: A randomized, controlled trial was used in Study 1 to compare a comprehensive family-based behavioral treatment program or an experimental treatment that incorporated reinforcing children for engaging in alternative behaviors to eating for 41 overweight 8- to 12-year-old children. Study 2 used a within-subject design with baseline, enriched environment and a second baseline phase to determine the influence of providing activities that compete with eating for 13 overweight 8- to 12-year-old children. Measurements included body mass index (BMI) change, alternatives to eating, eating, and physical activity. RESULTS: In Study 1 both treatments were associated with significant (p < .05) and maintained reductions in z-BMI over the 24 months of observation. The experimental group showed a significantly (p < .05) greater increase in alternatives to eating, and both groups showed significant (p < .05) increases in physical activity. In Study 2 alternative behaviors to eating were increased by almost 1 hr/day (p < .001) but were not associated with significant changes in energy intake or physical activity. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that using the methods studied, increasing behaviors that could compete with eating did not influence relative weight in a clinical outcome study or energy intake in a controlled field study.
Authors: Leonard H Epstein; Samina Raja; Tinuke Oluyomi Daniel; Rocco A Paluch; Denise E Wilfley; Brian E Saelens; James N Roemmich Journal: Ann Behav Med Date: 2012-10
Authors: Jennifer L Temple; Christina M Legierski; April M Giacomelli; Sarah-Jeanne Salvy; Leonard H Epstein Journal: Am J Clin Nutr Date: 2008-05 Impact factor: 7.045
Authors: L Vervoort; A Clauwaert; L Vandeweghe; J Vangeel; W Van Lippevelde; L Goossens; L Huybregts; C Lachat; S Eggermont; K Beullens; C Braet; N De Cock Journal: Eur J Nutr Date: 2016-08-25 Impact factor: 5.614
Authors: John R Best; Kelly R Theim; Dana M Gredysa; Richard I Stein; R Robinson Welch; Brian E Saelens; Michael G Perri; Kenneth B Schechtman; Leonard H Epstein; Denise E Wilfley Journal: J Consult Clin Psychol Date: 2012-08-27