An Interactive Web-Based Intervention to Achieve Healthy Weight in Young Children

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Public Health
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Childhood obesity is a significant public health concern requiring effective interventions.
• Parent-focused programs are a potential strategy to promote healthy lifestyles in young children.
• Previous interventions have shown mixed results, necessitating further feasibility studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of a parent-targeted intervention for promoting healthy eating and lifestyle changes in overweight and obese children aged 3-7 years.
• To evaluate the intervention's impact on children's body mass index (BMI) z scores, parental self-efficacy, and healthy behaviors.
• To determine if parents can serve as effective "change agents" for their children's health.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, randomized controlled trial involving 73 child-parent dyads.
• Intervention group received 6 in-person group sessions and a customized website over 12 months.
• Control group received customary care; primary outcome was attendance, secondary outcomes included BMI z scores and behavior changes.

Main Results:

• Attendance at sessions was suboptimal, with 14 parents not attending any.
• Participation in follow-up assessments did not meet expected levels.
• No significant differences in BMI z scores or improvements in parenting skills were observed between groups.

Conclusions:

• The parent-targeted intervention was not feasible or successful in promoting healthy lifestyle changes in young children.
• Low parent engagement and lack of significant outcomes suggest limitations in this approach.
• Further research is needed to develop more effective strategies for childhood obesity prevention.