Virtual Housecalls for teens: helping adolescents with obesity in primary care

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This is a pragmatic randomized trial enrolling 250 adolescent-caregiver pairs to test Virtual Housecalls, a 26-hour lifestyle program delivered largely via telehealth. The intervention combines periodic in-person pediatric primary care visits with weekly virtual behavior coaching, plus weekly exercise videos, versus enhanced usual care with online education. Primary outcome is change in body mass index at 6 months, with secondary outcomes including dietary and physical activity behaviors, and analysis of how treatment dose relates to BMI change. Assessments occur at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months to gauge short-term effects and maintenance. The study aims to identify scalable approaches that fit routine pediatric primary care and meet recommended treatment intensity.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Adolescent Inclusion Criteria:

* English or Spanish-speaking
* 12-15 years of age
* Receiving care at a participating clinic
* Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥95% and \<120% of the 95%
* Access to a mobile device with a webcam that can receive texts

Parent Inclusion Criteria:

* English or Spanish-speaking
* Primary legal guardian ≥18 years of age living with the adolescent

Exclusion Criteria:

* conflicts that would inhibit the ability to participate in all aspects of the study as outlined in the study protocol
* family plans to move outside of the study area or plans to no longer be a patient at a participating clinic in the 12 month study period
* the primary care provider or PI determines that the study is not clinically or medically appropriate (e.g., significant psychiatric, cognitive, physical or developmental conditions that would impair their ability to complete assessments, participate in study sessions, or conduct physical activity) based on screening at study onset
* adolescent exhibits severe dietary restriction or compensatory behavior (e.g., vomiting, laxative abuse) based on screening at study onset and clinical interview by a study psychologist
* adolescent is currently pregnant/plans to become pregnant during study period
* adolescent is participating in another weight loss program, has had or plans to undergo weight loss surgery
* adolescent has a chronic medical condition(s) and/or uses medication that substantially impacts or interferes with growth, appetite, weight or physical activity participation
* adolescents taking anti-obesity medication are ineligible if they are not a stable dose for at least 3 months prior to study participation

Where it's running

• Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU Healthy Lifestyles Center
  Henrico, Virginia, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Melanie K Bean, PhD — Virginia Commonwealth University
• Study coordinator: Sarah M Farthing, MS
• Email: sarah.malone@vcuhealth.org
• Phone: 804-527-4756

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.