IHBLT Program: Smart Moves for Kids

Brief Description

Smart Moves for Kids (previously Bright Bodies Healthy Lifestyles Program)  is a family-based, healthy lifestyle program for youth with obesity. The program includes nutrition education, behavior modification, physical activity, and parental/caregiver support. It meets two evenings per week with one evening offering 45 minutes of physical activity and one evening offering 45 minutes of physical activity plus a 40-minute nutrition education/behavior modification group for caregivers and children. It utilizes a standardized workbook/curriculum available in both English and Spanish. Some topics were written with the input of families. The program length is 12 weeks and families are encouraged to continue with as many 12-week programs as they wish. There are different levels so that the same topics are not repeated: beginner, intermediate, and advanced/maintenance levels. The facilitators use a client-centered approach for cultural sensitivity and optimal facilitator-family rapport. Moreover, the program's philosophy is that of a non-diet approach, teaching life skills so that children can make healthful lifestyle decisions in any typical situation. This non-diet approach and the inclusion of behavior modification is what sets  Smart Moves for Kids apart from other programs. Giving children and families a list of foods they can eat is very limiting and short-term, but encouraging self awareness and empowerment is a long-term, respectful approach.

Delivery Location

Community-Based

If Community-Based, Where

Schools

Willingness to Connect with Medical Home

Smart Moves for Kids is a family-based, healthy lifestyle program for youth with obesity. The program includes nutrition education, behavior modification, physical activity, and parental/caregiver support. It meets two evenings per week with one evening offering.

Health Outcomes

At one year Smart Moves for Kids decreased BMI by -1.7 units, while Clinic Control group increased BMI by +1.6 units; at 2 years, treatment effect was sustained even with intervention discontinued between years 1 and 2. Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) decreased -1.52 in Smart Moves for Kids group, while increased in Clinical Control group +.90; Again, these treatment effects were sustained at 2 years. Lastly, % body fat decreased -4.0 percent in Smart Moves for Kids, while increased 2.0 percent in Control. In a shorter duration RCT (6 mo) of children with abnormal oral glucose tolerance tests, there was a statistically significant decrease in 2 hour glucose in Smart Moves for Kids v Clinic Control Group, as well as 2 hour insulins, fasting insulins, HOMA-IR, WBISI, BMI, BMI z score, weight, % body fat, and blood pressure.

Eligible Population

8 to 16 years old, diverse ethnic groups

Length of Intervention

The BBHLP recommends two 12-week programs (6 months) or more. Nutrition education classes are for both child and caregiver, while child and caregivers have their own behavior modification classes. The program has always been in person, but went virtual in 2020. For the first time, it will be back in person (hybrid, one night in person, one night zoom) in January 2023. BBHLP will also offer a 100% virtual program since learning that many other geographic locations can benefit from the program.

Links/Contact Info

https://www.smartmovesforkids.com/bright-bodies-program-overview

Lead Contact

mary.savoye@yale.edu