Speaker Block: Julie Kugel, OTD, MOT, OTR/L, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA;

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Preston Atkins
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1 Title: Exploring the role of occupational therapy in childhood obesity prevention and treatment: Impact of a seven-week healthy lifestyle program Session Type: Poster Speaker Block: Julie Kugel, OTD, MOT, OTR/L, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA; Learning Objectives: 1) Clearly explain the role and purpose of occupational therapy in designing and implementing occupation based groups in a community setting with children and adolescents. 2) Explain the importance of promoting engagement in meaningful occupations as an important aspect of health promotion and prevention strategies for health conditions such as childhood obesity. 3) Examine the results of a research study that explored the impact of a healthy lifestyle program for middle school age girls Abstract: Obesity rates in the United States have been climbing steadily over the past thirty years with the prevalence nearing 20% (Ludwig, 2012). Obesity in children has reached epidemic proportions and trends are showing that obesity often begins early with the rate of overweight preschool children at 25 percent (Birch & Ventura, 2009). Children are among those most vulnerable in society and limited access to healthy foods and health supporting environments makes childhood obesity an issue of social and occupational justice (Cahill & Suarez-Balcazar, 2009). Current findings show that programs aimed at school age children have not proven successful in treating or preventing obesity (Birch & Ventura, 2009). The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the impact of a seven week after school program designed to teach and

community setting with children and adolescents.

2 empower middle school age girls to participate in healthy lifestyle behaviors. The goal of the program was to look at the lived experience of five young participants and design weekly group meetings centered around health promoting and meaningful occupations instead of simply looking to address diet and exercise behaviors. Qualitative interviews and health questionnaires demonstrated positive behavior changes within a relatively short period of time. Further research is needed to explore the role of occupational therapy in the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity through holistic practices. Project Methods & Program A qualitative phenomenological design was used to gather information about the lived experience of young girls, the importance of daily health choices, and the impact of a specially designed 7-week healthy occupation group on their personal lives and well-being. Through purposeful sampling the study recruited five girls between the ages of 11 and 15. The sevenweek healthy occupation program was designed with the specific needs of the group participants in mind. The pre-interviews enabled the researcher to examine areas of need in regards to daily activities, roles, and routines. Based on these interviews it became clear that all of the participants experienced difficulty dealing with peer pressure, varying levels of self-esteem, frequent insecurities, strategies for eating healthy and exercising, as well as difficulty dealing with stress on a daily basis. Based on the in-depth interviews, COPM evaluation, and an unstandardized questionnaire, the following programs were implemented on a weekly basis: 1) Discussion and exploration of the meaning of occupations 2) Beauty: Media, myth, and truth 3) Relaxation, yoga, and stress management 4) Community outing: Tae Kwon Do, self-esteem through self-defense

looking to address diet and exercise behaviors. Qualitative interviews and health questionnaires demonstrated positive behavior changes within a relatively short period of time.

3 5) Gardening Activity 6) Real Food: Planning and Preparing Healthy Snacks 7) Healthy Occupations Woven Into Daily Life Results and Discussion The program provided an avenue for participants to examine and discover their own personal strands of occupation and how those strands had the potential to integrate meaning, coherence, and a sense of rightness in the world. Based on participant interviews the purpose of the program was met and participants were left with an enhanced view of the meaning of occupation as well as the tools for choosing and creating more meaningful daily occupations. Youth today are faced with societal pressures and health problems such as obesity that were once obscure for this age group. While the causes are vast and far from simple, it is evident that a breakdown occurs in regards to understanding the impact and value of daily occupations and their influence on healthy lifestyle patterns and routines. By matching the participants needs and preferences, the occupation-based program was relevant, meaningful, and useful in relation to each participant s life goals and aspirations. Further research is needed to establish the role of occupational therapy in childhood obesity prevention and treatment.

Based on participant interviews the purpose of the program was met and participants were left with an enhanced view of the meaning of occupation as well as the tools for choosing and creating more

4 References Birch, L.L. & Ventura, A. K. (2009). Review: Preventing childhood obesity: what works? International Journal of Obesity, 33, Cahill, S. M., & Suarez-Balcazar, Y. (2009). The Issue Is- Promoting children s nutrition and fitness in the urban context. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 63, Ludwig, D. (2012). Weight loss strategies for adolescents: A 14-year-old struggling to lose weight. The Journal of the American Medical Association, 307,

The Issue Is- Promoting children s nutrition and fitness in the urban context.

The Need for an Integrative Approach to Pediatric Obesity

The Need for an Integrative Approach to Pediatric Obesity David S. Ludwig, MD, PhD Associate Director, Clinical & Translational Studies Unit Director, Optimal Weight for Life (OWL) Program Children s Hospital