An Evaluation of a Web-based System for Optimization of Behavioral Childhood Obesity Treatment

An Evaluation of a Web-based CLinical Obesity Support System (CLOSS) - A Randomized Trial of Childhood Obesity Treatment

This study evaluates the families' and health care professional's experience from using a web based support system including mobile applications for self-monitoring weight and physical activity. Changes in BMI standard deviation score are compared between usual care (control) and usual care with complementary web-based support system (intervention).

In this study children with obesity were randomized to either usual care according to regular routine (control group) or to usual care plus a web-based support system (intervention group). The system is based on a smartphone application connected to a scale and an activity measuring wrist-band. Data is automatically transferred from the accessories to the smartphone, where data is presented graphically. The data is transferred to the clinic for support. The system is developed for communication between the clinic and family. The randomization was done at the start of individual treatment and lasted for 6 months. Investigators studied the families and health care professional's experience of using the web-based support system as well as changes in BMI standard deviation score in the control and intervention group.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Obesity according to International Obesity Task Force (IOTF)
• Swedish speaking parents
• Parents able to use a smart phone
• No pharmacological treatment that could intervene the obesity treatment

Exclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosed with or undergoing assessment of neuropsychiatric disorder
• Structured obesity treatment the past 6 months
• Hypothalamic obesity