Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a behavior modification program on the weight loss of obese children. Forty children were randomly assigned either to a behavior modification(BM) group(n=21) or to a play therapy(PT) group(n=19) based on age, sex and grade. Nutritional and physical education were included in both groups. Questionnaires were administerd to assess weight, obesity stress, self-body image, self-esteem and diet behavior habits. The BM program consisted of self-monitoring, goal-setting, habit-checking, learning of alternative diet behaviors and assertive responses. The PT program consisted of expression and control of children's negative emotions through puppet playing, mud modelling and drawing. As a result, children in the BM group showed significant reduction in their level of body mass index and the amount of stresses when compared to children in the PT group. They also showed more improvement in diet behaviors than children in the PT group.