Evaluating a Telemedicine-based Intensive Treatment Program for Children and Adolescents With Obesity

Launched by SHEBA MEDICAL CENTER · Jan 17, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new telemedicine program designed to help children and teenagers with obesity. The goal is to see if this program is more effective than traditional in-person care. The study will involve 100 young participants, aged 10 to 18, who will be randomly assigned to either receive support through video calls and smartphone tools or attend regular in-person visits at a clinic for six months.

To be eligible for the trial, children must have obesity, defined as a higher than normal body weight for their age, and they need to have a smartphone for video calls and activity tracking. Participants in the telemedicine group will have 30 virtual consultations with healthcare professionals, including doctors, dietitians, and exercise specialists, while those in the in-office group will visit the clinic six times for similar support. Throughout the study, both groups will be assessed on their weight changes and overall well-being, and families will have opportunities to share their thoughts on the program. This trial is currently recruiting participants and is an excellent opportunity for families looking for effective ways to manage childhood obesity.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Obesity, defined as a BMI at or above 2 standard deviations SDs according to the WHO growth reference
• • Owning a smartphone, needed for video conversations, step counting and the gamification app
• • Parent consent and child's assent to participate in the program
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Significant physical or mental barriers to physical activity and/or to dietary changes (such as autistic spectrum disorder that precludes dietary changes or sufficient exercise, as assessed by the PI)