Researchers tested a special program called Tribal Turning Point to help Native American children who were overweight avoid getting type 2 diabetes. The study followed 182 kids aged 7-10 for a year, with some getting group classes and one-on-one coaching while others got basic health lessons. While the program didn’t show big changes after a full year, kids who finished the first 6 months before COVID-19 hit did see improvements in their weight and waist size. This suggests the program might work well when done normally, but the pandemic made it harder to see the full benefits.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a special coaching program could help overweight Native American kids lower their risk of getting type 2 diabetes
  • Who participated: 182 Native American children between ages 7-10 who were overweight or had obesity
  • Key finding: The program helped kids lose weight and shrink their waist size in the first 6 months, but only for those who participated before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted everything
  • What it means for you: Group classes plus one-on-one coaching may help overweight kids improve their health, but consistent participation is key for seeing results

The Research Details

This was a randomized controlled trial, which is like flipping a coin to decide which kids got the special program and which got regular health classes. The special program included 10 group classes and 4 one-on-one coaching sessions in the first 6 months, followed by 2 more group classes and 3 coaching sessions in the second 6 months. The coaches used a technique called motivational interviewing, which helps people find their own reasons to make healthy changes instead of just telling them what to do.

This type of study design is important because it helps researchers know if the program actually caused the improvements, rather than other factors. By comparing kids who got the program to those who didn’t, they could see if the program really made a difference.

The study followed kids for a full year and measured important things like BMI, waist size, and blood sugar levels. However, COVID-19 disrupted the study partway through, which makes it harder to know how well the program really works under normal conditions.

What the Results Show

After 12 months, there were no significant differences between kids who got the special program and those who got regular health classes when looking at BMI or insulin levels. However, when researchers looked only at kids who completed their 6-month check-ups before COVID-19 started, they found something interesting. These kids in the special program had better improvements in their age-adjusted BMI scores and smaller waist measurements compared to kids in the control group. The waist circumference finding is particularly important because belly fat is linked to diabetes risk.

The study showed that timing mattered a lot. Kids who participated before the pandemic saw benefits, while those who had to deal with COVID-19 disruptions didn’t show the same improvements. This suggests that consistent, in-person participation might be crucial for the program to work well.

This study adds to growing evidence that behavioral interventions can help prevent diabetes in high-risk youth, but it also shows how real-world events like pandemics can affect health programs. Previous research has shown similar programs can work, but this study highlights the importance of consistent delivery.

The biggest limitation was COVID-19 disrupting the study. Many kids couldn’t attend sessions in person, which likely affected the results. Also, the study only followed kids for one year, so we don’t know if the benefits would last longer or lead to actual diabetes prevention over time.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, group classes combined with one-on-one coaching may help overweight children improve their health markers, but consistent participation appears to be essential. The program seems most effective when delivered as intended without major disruptions.

Parents of overweight children, especially those from high-risk communities, should consider structured programs that combine group support with individual coaching. However, families should ensure they can commit to regular participation for the best results.

The study suggests that improvements in weight-related measures might be seen within 6 months of consistent participation in a well-structured program.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track weekly participation in group activities or classes focused on healthy habits, plus log individual coaching or mentoring sessions
  • Set up regular check-ins with a health coach or mentor while also participating in group activities that promote healthy eating and physical activity
  • Monitor waist circumference monthly and BMI quarterly while tracking participation in structured health programs to ensure consistent engagement

This research focuses on a specific population and was affected by COVID-19 disruptions. Consult with your child’s healthcare provider before starting any weight management or diabetes prevention program, especially if your child has existing health conditions.