Protocol for a randomized controlled feasibility study of a coordinated parent/child weight loss intervention: Dyad...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric obesity interventions
• Behavioral health research
• Family-based health programs

Background:

• Adolescent overweight and obesity is a global health issue requiring effective clinical interventions.
• Current lifestyle modification programs yield modest weight loss in adolescents.
• Family-centered approaches show promise but require further investigation into coordinated parent-adolescent programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the design and conceptual framework of the Dyad Plus study.
• To evaluate a coordinated weight loss program for adolescents and adults.
• To enhance the effectiveness of clinical interventions for adolescent weight management.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study involving 45 parent/adolescent dyads randomized into three groups: Brenner FIT only, Dyad, and Dyad Plus.
• The Dyad Plus intervention features simultaneous enrollment and coordinated efforts between adolescent and caregiver.
• Study aims include developing and piloting the coordinated intervention, assessing feasibility, and determining implementation costs.

Main Results:

• Study results are anticipated in winter 2021.
• This pilot phase focuses on feasibility, acceptability, and cost, not primary efficacy.
• Data collection and analysis are ongoing for the initial phase.

Conclusions:

• The Dyad Plus intervention is being piloted to assess its feasibility and acceptability.
• If successful, Dyad Plus will be advanced to a large-scale implementation-effectiveness clinical trial.
• This research seeks to establish a more effective family-centered approach to adolescent weight management.