‘eatNplay’- a family-based, telehealth intervention for childhood obesity: A randomized newsletter-controlled pilot study

Introduction: Childhood obesity is a major public health concern in the United States. Telehealth interventions are a strategy to instill healthy lifestyle choices among children and their guardians by introducing and reinforcing healthy behaviors. Objective: Our aim was to assess the feasibility of a telehealth intervention using motivational interviewing focusing on healthy behaviors in children. Methods: Using a family-based, randomized, controlled, crossover trial design, 42 families with children aged 5–11 years were randomly assigned to an intervention group or newsletter control group. Participants were randomly divided into two groups. One group was assigned the intervention condition for four weeks (Phase-1, from the beginning of the study through 4 weeks), followed by a two-week washout period, then assigned to the newsletter control condition (Phase-2, from week 7 until the end of week 10.) The intervention consisted of weekly ‘eatNplay’ group telehealth sessions, conducted by a registered nurse and a motivational interviewing expert, to discuss diet, physical activity, screentime, and sleep. Results: Participants' mean age was 8.8 ± 1.8; 54% were female. Engagement scores and attendance were consistently high throughout the study. Dietary, activity, and sleep outcomes were compared to American Pediatrics Association recommendations for the age group. Discussion: A telehealth intervention using motivational interviewing to address healthy behaviors in children was well received by participating families. This pilot study helped guide a planned future study that may be longer. Data from dietary intake, activity, and sleep are valuable to guide future studies.