WATCH IT- a feasibility study of a community intervention to reduce morbidity in obese children. (360G-Wellcome-078174_Z_05_Z)

WATCH IT is a community programme for obese children that aims to influence behaviour in the long-term, and so impact on adult obesity, heart disease and diabetes. This proposal sets out a feasibility study for a multicentre randomised controlled trial of WATCH IT. This research will provide 'proof of concept' as well as answers to important methodological issues that include the feasibility of recruiting children; the acceptability of randomisation to a no-treatment arm; the acceptability of outcome measurements (particularly blood tests and a DEXA scan); the sustainability of participation over a year; an accurate sample size estimate based on the change in body fat. Children will be assigned to the WATCH IT programme or a control non-intervention group for a period of 12 months. The intervention is delivered through the NHS by health trainers in partnership with sports centres. It takes a motivational counselling, solution focused approach along with group physical activity sessions. A formal uncontrolled pilot of the intervention in Leeds shows that it has been successfully implemented in disadvantaged areas, that attendance levels are good and sustained, and that there has been some reduction in adiposity for most children. The clinical outcomes of interest include changes in adiposity, lifestyle, quality of life and metabolic risk.