Many families drop out of childhood obesity treatment programmes due to the stigma attached, a major conference has been told.

According to researcher, Emily Kelleher, of University College Cork (UCC), strategies are needed to improve recruitment to such programmes and to minimise the number of people dropping out.

"Evidence suggests that programmes that are family-based and combine healthy eating, physical activity and behavioural components are effective in treating childhood obesity. However, success relies heavily on ongoing family attendance.

"Unfortunately, the majority of families referred to such treatment decline and many who do agree to attend subsequently drop out. Such non-attendance impacts negatively on the children and their families, as well as on the health service due to missed appointments," she explained.

Ms Kelleher carried out a review of all existing research on this topic, which revealed that the main reasons children agree to enroll in obesity treatment programmes is to have fun and make friends. Others want to see an improvement in their weight and appearance.

"However, the stigma associated with attending these programmes discouraged many other children from attending. To counteract the stigma that leads to non-participation and drop-out, childhood obesity programme marketing materials should be bright and fun, highlighting the positive benefits to the children, as well as the opportunity to learn new skills and take part in interesting activities," Ms Kelleher said.

She noted that the research suggests that these programmes should also be delivered in familiar and accessible locations, as this helps to normalise the issue for those involved. 

Barriers to participation should also be discussed with the children and their parents prior to treatment, she suggested.

The conference was hosted by the Institute of Public Health in Ireland (IPH), which was attended by over 300 health professionals, officials and academics from all over the country.

It also heard from Dr Colette Kelly of NUI Galway, who pointed out that three in four secondary schools have one or more fast food restaurant within one kilometer of them.

Almost 30% have five or more fast food outlets within one kilometer.

The highest proportion of fast food outlets tend to be found nearer boys' schools and urban schools, compared to girls' schools and rural schools.

The IPH conference took place in Dublin's Croke Park Conference Centre.