Endocrine Abstracts

Background: The highest rates of childhood obesity are among children from lower socioeconomic groups. Tier 3 weight management services for children currently rely on an MDT approach that is focused on the management of complications associated with excessive weight, but the resources are generally limited. Evidence suggests that the input in the community is key to empower children, young people, and their families to make healthy lifestyle changes, although the availability of these programmes are patchy and variable across the country. We present the experience from a successful partnership with an external charitable organisation in providing community support for weight management for a group of children and adolescents with severe obesity.

Methods: A collaborative partnership (MOVE plus project) was established between the Tier 3 weight management service, the Hospital, and the external partner (Liverpool Football Club Foundation) following a successful (Premier League) funding application. The governance structure incorporating data sharing regulations and a referral pathway was established following which children and young people managed as part of Tier 3 MDT weight management service were recruited into the project. The suitability of patients was assessed during MDT evaluation. The health coaches in the project delivered a combination of 12 virtual and in-person (based at the community hubs) physical activity sessions. Patients were offered 12 low-moderate intensity exercise sessions alongside dietary advice covering topics such as portion sizes, food labelling and energy balance. Participants completed Food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and Commitment to Physical Activity and Children’s Attitude toward Physical Activity (CAPTA) pre and post programme. Patients and their families reported positive behavioural changes post intervention and stated they felt more empowered to engage with the Tier 3 MDT weight management advice.

Conclusion: Collaborative weight management interventions show promise for effectiveness and acceptability by patients, families, and care providers. More research needs to be carried out to review the long-term effectiveness of these services. External partnerships that could provide local support especially in socioeconomically deprived communities would be of great value to families and help achieve strategies to promote healthier choices, thereby bridging the gap between the health care and community sectors.