Is it Helpful to Use Fitbits in a Family Based Weight Loss Program?

Effect of Personal Activity Trackers on Weight Loss in Children Enrolled in a Comprehensive Behavioral Family Lifestyle Intervention (CBFLI) Program

This study evaluates the role of personal activity trackers to help improve weight loss or weight maintenance for children and their parents enrolled in a comprehensive weight loss program.

Childhood obesity rates have tripled in the last 30 years, with as many as 50% of children in the US being obese or overweight. High-intensity comprehensive behavioral family lifestyle intervention (CBFLI) programs have been shown to be among the most effective interventions for weight loss in children. However, these programs are time- and resource-intensive with high rates of recidivism. Personal activity trackers (PAT) provide objectively measured physical activity data and are more reliable than self-report. These devices can also have a motivational impact. The investigators intend to study the effects of these devices and their data on behavior change and weight loss for both parents and children enrolled in a CBFLI program. The investigators will objectively measure the level of activity of both members of the parent-child dyad, explore the relationship between parent-child activity levels and its effect on each other, as well as on overall weight loss or weight maintenance.

Inclusion Criteria:

• All individuals enrolled in BodyWorks who are at least 7 years old meet inclusion criteria for this study. there is no maximum age for participation.

Exclusion Criteria:

Unable to wear PAT as described in study protocol Unwilling to wear PAT Unwilling to participate in the study