Conclusion
This study indicates that behavioural modification program
may have benefits in decreasing anthropometric indices and
improving eating behaviour in adolescents. In the light of our
Table 2 Anthropometric indices changes in groups (mean values)
Anthropometric indices
(mean)
Experimental
group Control group
Before
After
(6 months) Before
After
(6 months)
Weight (kg) 75Æ12 72Æ37* 73Æ49 74Æ11*
Body mass index (kg/m2
) 29Æ55 28Æ48* 29Æ07 29Æ31*
Arm circumferences (cm) 31Æ60 29Æ29* 31Æ50 32*
*P < 0Æ05 for between group differences.
Table 3 Eating behaviour changes in groups (mean values)
Eating behaviour
score (mean)
Experimental group Control group
Before
After
(6 months) Before
After
(6 months)
Emotional eating 1Æ89 1Æ29* 1Æ87 2Æ18*
External eating 3Æ02 1Æ94* 2Æ75 2Æ75*
Restrained eating 3Æ01 3Æ83* 3Æ35 3Æ36*
*P < 0Æ05 for between group differences.
JAN: ORIGINAL RESEARCH Effect of dietary behaviour modification
2009 The Authors. Journal compilation 2009 Blackwell Publishing Ltd 1673
experience, we believe the following factors should be
included in further study of similar programs: stress management
techniques such as yoga, recording a 24-hour intake
diary, and problem-solving sessions. Further research should
focus on identifying new methods and treatment techniques
aimed at developing a gradual weight loss schedule that
changes or modifies poor eating habits. Individualized
assessment schedules should be used to explore the influence
of family, school and community. Nurses, more than other
healthcare professionals, can address obesity in adolescents,
and they should not concentrate solely on weight reduction,
but also encourage children to acquire a healthy lifestyle.
Funding
Funding was received from the Shiraz University of Medical
Science, grant number 85-3029.
Conflict of interest
No conflict of interest has been declared by the authors.
Author contributions
SSR was responsible for the study conception and design.
SSR and KM performed the data collection. SSR and THR
performed the data analysis. SSR, KM and KMD were
responsible for the drafting of the manuscript. KMD made
critical revisions to the paper for important intellectual
content. THR provided statistical expertise. SSR obtained
funding. SSR and KMD provided administrative, technical
or material support. KM, KMD and THR supervised the
study.