Evaluating a Telemedicine-based Intensive Treatment Program for Children and Adolescents With Obesity
Obesity, Childhood
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Obesity, Childhood
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)
Sites / Locations
- Sheba Medical CenterRecruiting
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Experimental
Active Comparator
Telemedicine
On-site
The telemedicine arm will include 30, mostly video, consultations for each participant: 3 physician appointments, 7 exercise consultations by our exercise physiologist, 10 dietary consultations by our pediatric dietitian, and 10 psychologist consultations to assist with goal setting and overall well-being. Three visits will be conducted in-office, for physician assessment, smartphone technical assistance and physical measurements (baseline, at 3 months and at the end of the 6-month period). Participants randomized to the telemedicine arm will have a step-counting rewarding app installed on their smartphone by our staff.
The on-site arm will have 6 monthly visits during the study period, with two consultations performed in each visit - one by the physician or exercise physiologist, and one by our pediatric dietitian.