Regression to the Mean: A Commonly Overlooked and Misunderstood Factor Leading to Unjustified Conclusions in Pediatric Obesity Research

Abstract

Ignoring RTM can lead to unsubstantiated conclusions about the effects of treatments. These conclusions can lead to the waste of time, money, and other resources, which distract from finding appropriate interventions. When a true RCT design is not feasible, reasonable design alternatives involving nonrandomized control groups should be implemented.