A Group Motivational Interviewing intervention in schools to reduce sugar sweetened beverages intake among young...

Child obesity is a global public health issue affecting high, middle and low-income countries. The causes of obesity are complex and influenced by environmental and behavioural factors including diet and sedentary lifestyles. Young people consume sugar sweetened drinks (SSB) regularly, providing the largest single source of free sugars in the UK. This paper presents the protocol for a cluster feasibility study that aims to assess feasibility of a school obesity intervention delivered by teachers to reduce SSB consumption among 12-13-year-olds in secondary schools to prevent weight gain by using Group Motivational Interviewing.

An exploratory mixed-methods design will be used. The aim is to recruit six schools (two control and four intervention) in East London and around 720 pupils. The intervention consists of three components. First, teachers will be upskilled in group motivational interviewing to deliver a series of activities to young people during school time. Second, a mobile app for young people will be developed to support the classroom activities. Lastly, a booklet with healthy lifestyle resources will be developed and sent home for parents. The outcome measures for the feasibility study will include the recruitment and retention rates, barriers and facilitators to intervention implementation, and acceptability among teachers and young people. Additionally, anthropometric, dietary, and lifestyle behaviour measures will be collected at baseline and at 6 months to assess acceptability in preparation for a main trial.

The study findings will be submitted for publication in international peer-reviewed journals and shared at international conferences.

The results of the study are expected to inform the development of a future trial and to contribute to research on the prevention of weight gain among young people and the reduction of SSB consumption.