A Family-Based Program Using In-Person and Mobile Phone Support to Prevent Childhood Obesity in Latino Children Aged 2 to 5

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a family-based childhood obesity intervention designed for Latino families with young children aged 2 to 5 years who are overweight or obese. The study aims to reduce ethnic disparities in childhood obesity and cardiovascular risk by combining proven in-person strategies with mobile phone technology, while incorporating important cultural factors such as familism and language. This prospective randomized controlled trial will compare the hybrid intervention against usual care provided by the Women, Infants, and Children WIC program. The intervention group will participate in a 4-week program consisting of weekly in-person sessions coupled with four interactive text messages per week. This will be followed by 2 months of booster text messages to reinforce the content. The usual care group will continue receiving standard WIC services, which include monthly food vouchers, nutrition counseling twice a year, nutrition education, and referrals to family services. Approximately 260 families will be randomly assigned to either group, balancing for child weight status and caregiver family structure. Participants will be assessed at baseline, and then at 1, 6, and 12 months after baseline. Data collection includes measuring the childs body mass index BMI, dietary intake, media viewing habits, physical activity patterns, and caregiver behaviors. Research assistants blinded to group assignment will collect data via surveys available in English and Spanish, at WIC centers or at home visits. The primary outcome is the change in child BMI over time, with secondary outcomes evaluating various health habits and family dynamics. Incentives will be provided to support participant retention throughout the study period, which extends to the end of 2026.

Family Intervention to Prevent Childhood Obesity