Preventing weight-related problems among adolescent girls: A cluster randomized trial comparing the Brazilian 'New Moves' program versus observation

Abstract

Purpose: To conduct a cluster randomized controlled trial comparing the Brazilian version of the New Moves program (NMP) versus observation among Brazilian adolescent girls.

Methods: Ten schools were randomly allocated to the Brazilian NMP or the observation arm. Study participants included 12-14-year-old girls. Recruitment occurred between February 2014 and March 2015. The NMP included sports, nutritional support, motivational interviews, collective lunch, and parental information materials. Our main outcome was the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ). Secondary outcomes included the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and the Unhealthy Weight-Control Behaviors Index, as well as body mass index. Study results were evaluated through generalized estimating equations.

Results: A total of 270 adolescents participated in the study. At baseline, mean age was 13.4 years, and average BMI was 21.4. The intervention did not result in any statistically significant differences between the NMP and the observation arm, including BSQ (predicted means of 64.33 - IC 95% 59.2-69.47 vs. 62.02 - IC 95% 56.63-67.4), respectively) and our secondary outcomes. Adherence was low during the intervention (32.9%) and maintenance (19.1%) phases of the program.

Conclusion: The New Moves program did not lead to significant changes in our measured outcomes. Future studies should investigate whether changes might occur when comprehensive behavioral programs are sustained over longer periods while also being customized to local population characteristics.

Keywords: Adolescent behavior; Clinical trials as topic; Feeding and eating disorders; Obesity; Public health.