Home vs Clinic Approaches to Pediatric Weight Management in Low-Income Children

Children from lower-income families tend to achieve smaller weight loss in family-based programs, often because of difficulties attending sessions and following recommendations. The CHECK randomized controlled trial examined whether delivering pediatric weight management interventions at home improves outcomes compared with clinic-based sessions.

A total of 269 children aged 6–12 years with overweight or obesity from lower-income households were enrolled. All families received a 12-month intervention consisting of 18 planned in-person sessions and 12 telephone contacts.

The only difference between groups was the location of in-person sessions (home vs clinic). The study measured 12-month changes in body mass index z-score (zBMI), session attendance, total contact time, and secondary clinical outcomes.

After 12 months, BMI z-score changes were similar between home- and clinic-delivered groups. Home delivery increased session attendance and contact time, and greater engagement predicted larger zBMI reductions. Overall, home delivery improved participation but did not enhance overall weight loss outcomes.