Abstract:
Intervention programs for obese adolescents may assist individuals in adopting changes toward a healthy lifestyle and reaching weight loss goals (Chen et al., 2001). The purpose of this study is to determine changes in healthy lifestyle behaviors following participation in a medically managed intervention program for obese adolescents that emphasizes healthy lifestyle behaviors, diet modification and exercise. Pender's Health Promotion Model is the framework for this study. The sample will be 75 adolescents 13 to 18 years of age enrolled in a hospital-based medically managed intervention program for obese adolescents in a Midwestern city. The Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (S. N. Walker, personal communication, 1997) will measure health-promoting behaviors before and after participation. A total of 12 monthly sessions of group education and counseling will include topics of self actualization, exercise and nutrition, stress management, interpersonal support, health responsibility, and health-promoting lifestyle. Findings will provide information about healthy lifestyle outcomes for obese adolescents and reduced health risks for adolescents.