Evaluation of Three New Strategies to Fight Obesity in Families

Abstract

Aims. To evaluate 3 strategies to reduce weight in obese families. Research design and methods. 142 obese parents and 119 obese children kept a fat-calorie restriction diet. On top of this diet, the families were randomized in a three-factorial design to one or more of three weight-loss strategies: (1) an additional diet preferring carbohydrates having a low glycemic index (dual diet), (2) financial incentive, and (3) telemonitoring of weight and physical activity. Results. All children improved their BMI-SDS by 0.18±0.25 (P<.001) independently of the weight-loss strategy. In parents, relative losses of weight (kg) were −6.4% versus −4.0% for dual diet versus calorie restriction (P=.029), −6.9% versus −3.4% for with or without financial incentive (P=.002), and −8.0% versus −4.8% for with or without telemonitoring (P=.033). The weight loss after financial incentive plus dual diet plus telemonitoring was −14.4%. Conclusions. All strategies were effective in adults, in particular when combined. Children improved their BMI-SDS regardless of the strategy.