Efficacy of a Home-Based Parent Training-Focused Weight Management Intervention for Preschool Children: The DRIVE Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial

Abstract

Objectives: To pilot-test a home-based parent training intervention aimed at maintaining body weight among children at risk for obesity (> the 75th body mass index percentile).

Methods: Sixteen parent-child dyads were randomized to a health education or Developing Relationships that Include Values of Eating and Exercise (DRIVE) intervention arm. The DRIVE curriculum was a structured parenting program to promote healthy weight in children by relying on behavioral principles to promote skill acquisition in the family's natural setting. Body weight and waist circumference were measured at baseline and weeks 9 and 19.

Results: Body mass index z-score, body weight, and percent body weight increased in children in the health education arm vs DRIVE at weeks 9 and 19. Body weight, percent body weight, and waist circumference decreased in parents in DRIVE vs the health education arm at week 19, whereas no differences were shown at week 9.

Conclusions and implications: The DRIVE program mitigated weight gain in a small sample of at-risk children and showed promising results in reducing weight in parents. Home-based interventions emphasizing parent-child interactions are indicated as a practical model to deliver weight management in children.

Keywords: childhood obesity; home-based intervention; parent–child interactions; toddlers; weight maintenance.

Figure 1.. Change in child BMIz, body weight (kg), % body weight from baseline to 9 weeks and baseline to 19 weeks follow-up using MANCOVA of Change.

Change in A) BMIz, B) Body Weight, and C) % Body Weight increased in the Health Education group at week 9 and week 19 and the difference in the change in BMIz, Body Weight, and % Body Weight increased in children in the Health Education arm compared to the children in the intervention at week 9 and at week 19. * Denotes significant within group change from baseline p>0.05, error bar indicates standard error

Figure 2.. Change in parent weight (kg), % body weight, BMI, and waist circumference (cm) from baseline to 9 weeks and baseline to 19 weeks follow-up using MANCOVA of Change (outlier removed).

Change in A) body weight, B) % body weight, C) BMI, and D) waist circumference decreased in the intervention and increased in the Health Education arm at week 9 and week 19 and the difference in change in body weight, % body weight, BMI, and waist circumference decreased more in parents in the intervention compared to Health Education arm at week 19, but no differences were shown at week 9. * Denotes significant within group change from baseline p>0.05, error bar indicates standard error