The Effect of Three Different Dietary Messages on Dietary Intake and Health in Families

The Effect of Three Different Dietary Messages on Dietary Intake and Health in Families

Examine the effect of three different dietary messages on dietary intake and the health of parents and their children.

The goal of this pilot study is to conduct a randomized controlled trial examining three dietary messages: increase fruits and vegetables [INCREASE], decrease energy-dense, non-nutrient dense snack foods [DECREASE], or increase fruits and vegetables plus decrease snack foods [INCREASE+DECREASE], within a 6-month, family-based obesity prevention intervention. Each condition will also focus on increasing family evening meals and physical activity. Primary hypotheses are: 1) INCREASE + DECREASE will consume a greater ratio of F&Vs:SFs than INCREASE and DECREASE at 6 months.

2)INCREASE + DECREASE will consume less energy than INCREASE and DECREASE at 6 months.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Children between ages 6-12 years
• BMI percentile > 5th and < 85th percentile for age and sex
• Have a parent aged > 21 years with a BMI > 25
• Have an overweight/obese parent willing to attend intervention meetings
• Parent and child speak and read English
• Not moving out of the metropolitan area during the course of the investigation

Exclusion Criteria:

• Reporting that the child and parent planning to participate have dietary restrictions related to fruit and vegetable intake
• Physical activity restrictions
• A parent reporting that she is pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or currently breastfeeding