Strengths and limitations
The study recruited a small sample (119 participants) that
targeted the overweight and obese to examine cognitive behavioural
modification interventions over a relatively short period of time. The
interpretation of the results is restricted by the selection of a convenience
sample of overweight and obese adolescents in four primary schools
in one of the 18 districts in Hong Kong, which does not allow for a
more complete representation of the population. The study aimed to
examine the effect of the weight loss interventions for only 6 months,
and longitudinal studies are needed to evaluate the sustainability of
the outcomes. Adolescents’ self-reported measures might have led to
potential bias. The key measures in this study have been translated into
Chinese and tested for validity in a study in Hong Kong. Other factors,
such as parental involvement and support, are key indicators of the
success of weight reduction programs among adolescents. Parents and
schools should offer affordable options and support for adolescents to
be physically active.