The risk of developing disordered eating following a family-based program among children with overweight and obesity and their siblings: Retrospective and prospective analyses.

Background: Studies have raised the concern that dieting and weight-loss programs may be a potential risk factor for developing eating disorders, and may have a potential to affect siblings as well. This study assessed the long-term risk of developing disordered eating among children with overweight and obesity and their siblings as well as the change in the obesogenic environment following a family-based intervention program.

Methods: In a 30-month retrospective follow-up study (n=18 families in intervention group, n=26 families in control group, total of 81 children and siblings) and a 14-month prospective follow-up study (n=42 families, 78 children and siblings), families with one or more children with overweight or obesity ages 8-14 years participated in a multidisciplinary parent-child program called "Maccabi Active".