Evaluating the Efficacy of the Feeding Exercise Randomized Trial in Overweight and Obese Adolescents

Abstract

Background: The Feeding Exercise Trial in Adolescents (FETA) aimed to evaluate whether a community-based, parents-involving, combined physical activity and nutritional education program was effective in improving adiposity profiles in overweight and obese adolescents.

Methods: A total of 181 overweight and obese adolescents aged 13-15 years old were randomized in the three study groups ("Diet & Activity," "Activity," and Control). The Activity intervention included a 45-minute, 3-day per week supervised training program, while the Diet & Activity intervention included a supplementary 15 minutes of group-based sessions attended by the parents. The intervention lasted 3 months and the participants were followed for another 3 months after the intervention. The participants were assessed for anthropometric measures and activity and fulfilled the modified version of the questionnaire "Family Eating and Activity Habits Questionnaire" (FEAHQ).

Results: Both "Activity" only and "Diet & Activity" groups reduced significantly (p < 0.001) their mean body mass index (BMI) (-1.1, 95% CI -1.3, -0.8, and -1.4, 95% CI -1.7, -1.2, respectively), waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulses per minute, and 50 m sprint run test at 3 months, while greater reductions in BMI were observed at 6 months (-2.3, 95% CI -2.6, -2.0, and -3.1, 95% CI -3.3, -2.8). Significant changes in the total FEAHQ score were achieved only in the "Diet & Activity" group both at 3 months and at 6 months.

Conclusions: FETA resulted in significant effects on improving adiposity profiles in overweight and obese adolescents, as well as family activity and feeding habits, maintained at 3 months follow-up.

Keywords: adolescents; body mass index; exercise; obesity.