Examining the Efficacy of a Virtual Multi-Disciplinary 10-Week Family-Based Behavioural Lifestyle Intervention in Children and Adolescents: A Pilot Study

Abstract

ObjectivesThe Shapedown BC program (British Columbia, Canada) is a provincially funded 10-week family-based behavioural lifestyle intervention for children and adolescents (ages six to 17 years old) living with obesity (or an overweight condition with one comorbidity) delivered by a multidisciplinary team. Since 2006, this program has been offered in-person until the COVID-19 pandemic forced it to be provided in the virtual format only. It is unknown how this online format compares to the in-person intervention in eliciting health behaviour changes and consequent body mass index (BMI; kg/m2) outcomes in participants. Therefore, this study aims to explore the efficacy of a virtual Shapedown BC group program compared to in-person delivery on improving BMI-z. Secondary aims investigate the differences in program attendance and attrition, health behaviours, and metabolic markers among children.MethodsThis retrospective chart review study of n = 40 children (ages 10 to 17 years old) will use non-identifying data collected by the Shapedown BC multidisciplinary team. Data of participants in the virtual intervention (n = 20; September 2021 to March 2022) will be matched by age, sex, and BMI-z at baseline and compared with data from the in-person intervention (n = 20; 2016 to 2019). E-surveys at pre-and post-intervention are used to analyze changes in sociodemographic, diet quality (vegetable and sugary drink consumption), exercise, sitting behaviours, and family habits. Anthropometric measurements are collected during an in-person clinical visit at intake, pre-intervention, and then again at post-intervention. Attendance is collected throughout the intervention. Bloodwork (ALT- liver enzymes, fasting glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, high- and low-density lipoproteins) is collected at intake and again at week 10 for participants with abnormal levels.ResultsN/AConclusionsResults from this study will provide insight into the efficacy of a virtual multidisciplinary family-based behavioural lifestyle intervention, which will contribute to future design of virtual weight management programs for preventing childhood and adolescent obesity.Funding SourcesThe University of British Columbia, Faculty of Land and Food Systems; BC Children's Hospital Shapedown-BC Program.