ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION@#This study aimed to evaluate the LITE (Lifestyle Intervention for TEenagers) group programme, a family-based behavioural lifestyle intervention for overweight and obese adolescents.@*METHODS@#We conducted a two-arm randomised controlled trial that recruited overweight and obese adolescents who attended a tertiary care weight management clinic. Participants were randomised to the LITE programme or usual care. The primary outcome assessed was body mass index (BMI) z-score. Secondary outcomes of anthropometric measurements, metabolic profile, parenting and adolescents' perception of family support were measured at baseline, three months and six months. Feasibility and acceptability of the LITE programme were also evaluated.@*RESULTS@#61 adolescents were enrolled, with 31 in the LITE programme and 30 in usual care. At three months, participants in the programme had a greater reduction in weight (-0.18 ± 2.40 kg vs. 1.48 ± 1.97 kg; p = 0.107), waist circumference (-1.0 ± 3.1 cm vs. 2.4 ± 2.7 cm; p = 0.016), waist-height ratio (-0.01 ± 0.02 vs. 0.01 ± 0.02; p = 0.040) and systolic blood pressure (-3.8 ± 13.7 vs. 5.7 ± 13.1; p = 0.119) compared to the usual care group. There was no significant difference in BMI z-score. At six months, there were significant improvements in adolescents' perception of family support for eating habits in the LITE group compared to the usual care group. The LITE programme had a good attendance rate of 67.7% and was well received.@*CONCLUSION@#The LITE programme showed feasibility and short-term clinical effectiveness in improving some clinical outcomes and improved adolescents' perception of family support.
ABSTRACT
In the complex developmental period of puberty, adolescents experience biophysical changes and adapt to societal and cultural expectations of adulthood. Development of their sexuality is an important biopsychosocial change during this period that, when neglected, may result in unmet sexual and reproductive health needs. Patterns of behaviour in adolescence have repercussions across the lifespan. HEADSSS (home, education/employment/eating, activities, drugs, sexuality, sleep, suicide/depression and safety) is a systematic clinical screening tool for use with adolescents. Adolescents may view risk-seeking lifestyle patterns as appropriate behaviours, and physicians can help them recognise the risks and develop less harmful alternatives and strategies. Personal biases should not affect healthcare providers' duty to respect the rights of adolescents and ability to provide developmentally appropriate care. Healthcare professionals should be familiar with the relevant legal statutes in Singapore and refer suspected sexual abuse or violence, risk of self-harm, teenage pregnancy, newly diagnosed sexual transmitted infections or multiple risk-seeking behaviours for further evaluation and help.