Feasibility of the Camp Power Up Program on Children's Body Weight and Quality of Life

Obesity affects 17% of children and adolescents in the U.S. Children are entrenched in an
obesogenic environment, often with little support in the home, school, or medical environment
to make healthy choices. Obesity is increasingly common in underserved communities that lack
access and resources for physical activity and healthy eating. Louisiana is a prime example
of the need for effective obesity treatment, ranking 1st nationally for adult obesity and 4th
for adolescent obesity with the highest obesity prevalence among African American
adolescents. We urgently need evidence-based programs to help children and families change
lifestyle behaviors, achieve clinically significant weight loss, and thereby reduce the
prevalence of pediatric obesity.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force identifies behavioral treatment including dietary,
physical activity, and behavioral counseling components as a viable option for pediatric
obesity treatment, yet a key challenge is how to implement these programs to maximize access
and participation. Summer (between school years) represents an opportunity for intensive
intervention to change health behaviors and help children to lose weight. During the summer
months, children gain weight at a more rapid pace and spend more time engaged in sedentary
behavior compared to the school year.

The American Diabetes Association launched Camp Power Up as a summer week-long day camp for
youth who are obese and/or at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes. The camp will focus
on wellness education, nutrition, physical activity, and obesity prevention. The purpose of
the proposed study is to examine effects of Camp Power Up on children's weight status and
their psycho-social health.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Aged 6 to 14 years

- Enrolled in the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Camp Power Up

Exclusion Criteria: