Oral Presentation Australian and New Zealand Obesity Society Annual Scientific Conference 2026

Change in behavioural symptoms and health-related quality of life of children aged 4-16 after participation in a multicomponent, community-based, family focused healthy lifestyle program pilot in Perth, Western Australia (144287)

Katie M Iwanowski 1 2 3 , Natasha A Trolove 4 , Stephanie Smith 1 2 3 , Stephen Paull 1 2 3 , Stevie Raymond 2 , Chelsea Sharp 2 , Natasha Bear 5 , Jessica Radonich 4 , Nikola Milosavljevic 4 , Rosey M Rooney 4 , Yvonne C Anderson 4
  1. Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia
  2. Child and Adolescent Community Health, Child and Adolescent Health Service, Perth, WA, Australia , Perth, WA, Australia
  3. The Kids Research Institute Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
  4. Curtin School of Public Health, Bentley, WA, Australia
  5. Institute for Health Research, Notre Dame University, Perth, WA, Australia

Background: Childhood obesity presents a growing health challenge globally, predicted to affect over 50% of children by 2050.1 In Australia, 25% of children are living with overweight or obesity before they commence school.2 A bi-directional relationship between childhood obesity and mental health has been observed in the literature.3 Psychological symptoms such as blame, shame, guilt, and weight stigma often co-exist with physical health issues.4 While children with obesity consistently demonstrate lower health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and greater emotional and behavioral problems, limited evidence exists to demonstrate whether multidisciplinary lifestyle interventions can directly improve psychological outcomes.5 This study aims to assess the impact of a community-based, family-centered multidisciplinary healthy lifestyle program in a cohort of Western Australian children and young people aged 4-16 living with obesity.

Methods: A hybrid type-2 effectiveness intervention trial design will be utilised to examine within-subject change in behavioural symptoms and health-related quality of life from baseline at follow-up (>5 to <10 months from baseline) and program completion (>10 months to <15 months from baseline). The intervention consisted of Health Lifestyle Checks including individualised goal-setting and 20 hours of nutrition, physical activity and behavior change group sessions delivered to children and their caregivers by a multidisciplinary team . Psychological wellbeing was measured using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) for emotional and behavioral symptoms and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) for HRQoL.

Results: Analyses will assess changes in HRQoL and behavioural symptoms from baseline at follow-up and completion which are expected to be significant improvements.

Conclusion: This study will add to the growing evidence on the effect of healthy lifestyle interventions on wellbeing among children living with obesity. Findings will enhance understanding of the psychological benefits of the program and support more holistic approaches to managing obesity in children.