Behavioral Interventions for Weight Management in Overweight and Obese Adolescents: A Comparison Between a Motivation-based Educational Program and Conventional Dietary Counseling

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the effects of a three-month motivation-based educational program and conventional dietary counseling on body composition and relevant outcomes among overweight and Obese adolescents. METHODS: A total of 115 overweight and obese adolescents (46% boys) were randomly assigned to either a motivation-based program or a conventional dietary counseling. The assessments were conducted at baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months after intervention. RESULTS: Mean age and body mass index (BMI) Z-score were 14.5 ± 1.2 and 2.42 ± 0.62, respectively. Considering time trend analysis, the two groups achieved significant improvements in BMI Z-score, wrist and waist circumferences, body composition indices, and HRQoL total scores after a one-year follow-up. Wrist circumference and the HRQoL reported by parents revealed significant differences between the study groups in favor of the motivation-based program. CONCLUSIONS: Although both programs could improve anthropometric indices and HRQoL over time, the motivation-based program was more effective in reducing adolescents’ wrist circumference and improving HRQoL, as the parents reported.