An interactive mobile health tool to help reduce obesity risk in urban minority preadolescents

Intervention INC: An Interactive Family-centered mHealth Tool to Reduce Obesity Risk in Urban Minority Preadolescents

Not applicable Interventional Tufts University · NCT05935592

This study is testing a new mobile health tool to see if it can help urban minority kids and their families adopt healthier eating habits and reduce obesity risk.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages8 Years to 12 Years
SexAll
SponsorTufts University Academic / other
Locations2 sites (New York, New York and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05935592 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of a family-centered mobile health tool designed to reduce obesity risk among urban minority preadolescents. Using a randomized two-group design, 200 child-parent dyads will be assigned to either the experimental group, which receives access to the interactive tool, or the comparison group, which receives web-based newsletters. The primary outcome is the change in child BMI z-score from baseline to a 12-month follow-up. The study aims to engage children in healthy dietary behaviors through an innovative multimedia approach.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are Black/African-American or Latino children aged 8 to 12 years with a BMI at or above the 5th percentile, along with their legal parent or guardian.

Not a fit: Patients who do not self-identify as Black/African-American or Latino, or those outside the age range of 8 to 12 years, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve dietary behaviors and reduce obesity risk in preadolescents from urban minority backgrounds.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with similar family-centered interventions aimed at reducing childhood obesity, indicating a promising approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria (child):

* self-identifies as Black/African-American and/or Latino
* between ages 8 and 12 years (preadolescents) at time of scheduled baseline visits
* reads and speaks in English
* has a Body Mass Index percentile at or above 5% at baseline (categorized as healthy, overweight, or obese)
* has regular internet access via a tablet device, smartphone, or computer/laptop
* has regular access to a phone with texting capability
* is comfortable reading/viewing material on electronic devices
* is comfortable speaking with study staff about thoughts/experiences while participating in study
* has a legal parent/guardian willing to participate in study

Inclusion Criteria (parent):

* legal parent/guardian of child willing to participate in study
* reads and speaks in English or Spanish
* primarily responsible for preparing/purchasing food for child
* has regular internet access via a tablet device, smartphone, or computer/laptop
* has regular access to a phone with texting capability
* comfortable reading/viewing material on electronic devices
* able to attend in-person study visits and complete online questionnaires with their child over the full duration of study

Exclusion Criteria (child):

* has allergies, food aversions, food disorders, or medications with side-effects that may impact participation in study
* has a pacemaker or heart condition
* in foster care

Where this trial is running

New York, New York and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Obesity, Childhood
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.