Smartphone Applications-Based Intervention to Reduce Body Mass Index and Improve Health-Related Behavior Among Children with Overweight/Obesity: A Pilot Clinical Trial.

Objectives: To assess changes in body mass index (BMI), diet and physical activity (PA) of 8-15-y-old children with overweight/ obesity, following a smartphone applications-based intervention; and to understand facilitators and barriers for BMI reduction.

Methods: Children were enrolled through online sessions on childhood obesity for students, parents and teachers at five private schools in Delhi, and requesting parents who perceived their children as having obesity to contact the study team. Eligibility was confirmed through home visit by a technician. Questionnaires regarding diet, PA, attitude and practices were filled by participants and parents, followed by online intervention of three-month duration (weekly counselling; yoga classes 3 d/wk, sharing of resources on healthy eating, and goal setting), and repeat anthropometry by home visit.

Results: Twenty-six children (16 boys) aged 11.6 ± 2.3 y were enrolled. Mean BMI (kg/m) decreased from 25.4 ± 4.3 to 24.6 ± 4.1, p < 0.001. Any reduction in BMI was seen in 19 (73.1%) children, and reduction > 1 kg/m in 11 (42.3%), mediated by increase in the duration of PA and improvement in eating habits. The most cited barriers by parents were unhealthy eating when there were guests (by 69.2%); and problems with compliance due to conflicts between parent and child (by 38.5%).

Conclusions: Smartphone applications-based online intervention was effective in improving diet and physical activity, and reducing BMI in children with overweight/ obesity.