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Mobile-based intervention intended to stop obesity in preschool-aged children: the MINISTOP randomized controlled

Christine Delisle Nyström1, Sven Sandin2,3,4, Pontus Henriksson5

  • 1Departments of Biosciences and Nutrition, christine.delisle.nystrom@ki.se.

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|April 28, 2017
PubMed

Insights

A mobile health (mHealth) obesity prevention program did not significantly reduce fat mass index in young children. However, the intervention group showed improved dietary and physical activity behaviors, particularly in children with higher fat mass index.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric obesity prevention
  • Mobile health interventions
  • Behavioral science

Background:

  • Traditional obesity programs are resource-intensive.
  • Mobile technology shows promise for behavior change and weight management.
  • The efficacy of mobile health (mHealth) in preventing obesity in young children remains underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effectiveness of a 6-month mHealth obesity prevention program.
  • To assess impacts on body fat, dietary habits, and physical activity in 4.5-year-old Swedish children.

Main Methods:

  • 315 healthy Swedish children aged 4.5 years were randomized into intervention and control groups.
  • The intervention group received a 6-month mHealth program delivered via mobile phone.
  • Primary outcome: fat mass index (FMI). Secondary outcomes: fruit/vegetable intake, candy/sweetened beverage consumption, sedentary time, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.

Main Results:

  • No significant difference in fat mass index (FMI) between groups.
  • The intervention group demonstrated a significant improvement in a composite score of dietary and physical activity behaviors compared to the control group (P=0.021).
  • This improvement was more pronounced in children with FMI above the median (P=0.019), with 99% higher odds of improvement in behaviors (P=0.008).

Conclusions:

  • The mHealth program did not significantly alter FMI in preschool-aged children.
  • The intervention positively impacted secondary outcomes, specifically dietary and physical activity behaviors, especially in children with higher FMI.
  • Further research is warranted to target specific obesity classes within this age group.

Keywords:
mHealthobesitypreschoolpreventionrandomized controlled trial

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