Self-Weighing for Adolescents Seeking Obesity Treatment

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA · Apr 5, 2021

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying different ways to help teenagers aged 12 to 17 who are struggling with obesity, which means they have a body mass index (BMI) in the 95th percentile or higher. The trial involves 99 participants who will be divided into three groups: one group will receive usual care for obesity, the second group will receive usual care plus advice to weigh themselves daily using a simple scale, and the third group will weigh themselves daily using a scale that connects to electronic health records. The researchers want to see how these different methods influence weight management, feelings of confidence, and overall safety over a 12-week period.

To be eligible for the trial, participants must be between 12 and 17 years old and have a BMI that meets the obesity criteria. However, there are some exclusions, such as having unhealthy weight control behaviors or severe mental health issues. Parents or guardians of eligible teenagers can also participate in the study. Throughout the trial, participants will fill out surveys and have interviews to share their experiences, and clinic staff will assist in connecting the scales to the hospital's system to make the process easier. This study aims to find effective strategies for supporting adolescents in managing their weight.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria for Adolescent:
• • Ages 12 to \< 18 years
• • Body mass index (BMI) \>/= 95th percentile
• Exclusion Criteria for Adolescent:
• • Score over 20 on the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26)
• • Any unhealthy weight control behaviors
• • Severe anxiety or depression
• • Participation in another Pediatric Weight Management Clinic study
• • Developmental delay
• • Significant co-morbidity that might cause weight fluctuations in weight
• • Current participation in a weight loss research study
• Inclusion Criteria for Parent:
• • Parent or legal guardian of the child participant
• • Parent aged \> 18 years