Longitudinal associations of visit satisfaction and treatment alliance with outcomes in pediatric obesity clinic visits

Relationships between health care providers and families may be critical to effective weight management for youth with obesity. In this study, 50 youth with obesity (ages 5–16) and their caregivers completed questionnaires at three successive obesity clinic visits. Results suggest that visit satisfaction and treatment alliance contribute positively to parent/youth self-efficacy and self-reported treatment adherence. However, more weight loss was associated with less favorable treatment alliance and visit satisfaction. Findings suggest that an optimal approach to weight management may require a balance between maintaining a positive rapport and challenging families to make and sustain meaningful lifestyle changes.