Effectiveness and Feasibility of a Coordinated Parent/Child Dyad Weight Loss Intervention with Brenner FIT and By Design Essentials Programs

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of a coordinated program called Dyad Plus designed to help families engage in self-monitoring, positive communication, joint problem solving, and social support to increase physical activity, healthy eating, and weight loss. The study involves participants from the Brenner FIT pediatric weight management program who are youth aged 2 to 18 years old referred for overweight or obesity, along with their parent or guardian. The goal is to improve weight loss outcomes by involving both adolescents and their caregivers in related weight loss programs. Participants are randomly assigned to one of three groups: Brenner FIT standard care, Brenner FIT plus By Design Essentials for caregivers, or Dyad Plus which combines both programs with added strategies like group sessions, one-on-one communication, joint goal setting, tracking, and home environment assessments. Brenner FIT includes orientation, monthly visits with a pediatrician and specialists, group classes, and behavioral counseling over 6 months. By Design Essentials provides tailored diet and exercise plans with behavioral counseling for adults, delivered in 20 group sessions over 6 months. Dyad Plus adds extra parent-child interaction and support sessions. During the study, youth and caregivers attend various sessions, classes, and counseling appointments to support lifestyle changes. Researchers will assess body mass index (BMI) z-scores at baseline and after 6 months, along with physical activity levels, dietary habits, fasting glucose, insulin, liver enzymes, cholesterol, and economic costs. Feasibility and acceptability of the programs will be evaluated at 6 months. The study lasts 6 months with multiple assessments to monitor progress and outcomes related to weight management and healthy behaviors.

Dyad Plus Effectiveness/Feasibility