Dissemination of an Adolescent Obesity Prevention Intervention to Louisiana Schools

Launched by LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY AND A&M COLLEGE · Mar 21, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This study, called ProudMe, tests a 12-week obesity prevention program for middle school students in Louisiana. About 480 kids in 12 schools are being studied; six schools use the ProudMe program and six serve as a waitlist control (usual health education and cafeteria environment). Schools were randomly assigned to either group. Eligible participants are students in 6th–8th grade (roughly ages 10–15) who have parental consent and child assent, and who are healthy enough to take part in physical activity.

If your child is in the ProudMe group, they will use an AI-assisted system to help set goals, track activity and meals, and reflect on progress (about 3–5 times a week). The program also includes improved physical education sessions and changes in the cafeteria environment. The control group continues with standard education and the current cafeteria setup. Researchers will measure changes in physical activity, screen time, diet, and weight-related factors (like BMI and waist size) over 12 weeks, using surveys and simple physical measurements, and they will also study how well the program can be implemented in schools and its overall cost. Enrollment began in 2024 and is expected to continue toward a completion target in 2026.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Students enrolled in 6th, 7th, or 8th grades in participating schools.
• • Students with parental consent and child assent.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Students enrolled in grades other than 6th, 7th, or 8th grades
• • Students in non-participating schools.
• • Students without parental consent and child assent.
• • Students without adequate readiness for physical activity.