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Updated: Jun 12, 2026
04:48
Control of Eating Behavior Using a Novel Feedback System
Published on: May 8, 2018
Electronic therapeutic contact for adolescent weight management: the Loozit study
Kelly P Kornman1, Vanessa A Shrewsbury, Amy C Chou
1University of Sydney Clinical School, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, Australia.
Summary
Electronic contact via email and SMS is a feasible addition to obesity management for adolescents. Health messages and reply prompts increased engagement in this overweight and obese youth study.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Obesity Management
- Digital Health Interventions
- Adolescent Health Communication
Background:
- Obesity is a significant health concern in adolescents.
- Effective interventions are needed to manage adolescent obesity.
- Digital communication offers a potential avenue for intervention delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess adolescent and facilitator engagement with electronic contact (e-contact) in an obesity management program.
- To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of email and SMS for communication.
- To identify message characteristics that influence adolescent participation.
Main Methods:
- 49 overweight/obese adolescents (13-16 years) received monthly e-contact (email/SMS) for 10 months.
- Analyzed adolescent response rates, reply content, and satisfaction.
- Assessed facilitator responsiveness and personalization of replies.
- Utilized coding systems for message attributes and content.
Main Results:
- Overall adolescent reply rate was 22%; no demographic differences between responders and non-responders.
- SMS replies were shorter and faster than email replies.
- Most adolescent replies (91%) were relevant; few used slang (17%) or emoticons (7%).
- Adolescents found e-contact 'somewhat helpful'; facilitators responded to 93% of replies.
Conclusions:
- Short message service (SMS) and email are feasible and acceptable adjuncts to lifestyle interventions for obese adolescents.
- Messages focused on healthy eating and those requesting a reply improved engagement.
- Future interventions should incorporate these message strategies to enhance adolescent participation.
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