A family-based telehealth intervention using motivational interviewing is feasible and well-received for addressing healthy behaviors in children with obesity
The 'eatNplay' telehealth intervention, delivered weekly over four weeks, showed high engagement and attendance among 42 families with children aged 5-11. The study was a randomized crossover pilot, and while outcomes were compared to American Pediatrics Association recommendations, no statistical effect sizes were reported. The intervention was well received, supporting feasibility for a larger future trial.
This article is automatically generated from the structured evidence profile behind the claim above. Scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical advice.
A family-based telehealth intervention using motivational interviewing is feasible and well-received for addressing healthy behaviors in children with obesity The current body of evidence comprises 1 study, including 1 randomized controlled trial. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 42/100 (low).
The Claim
A family-based telehealth intervention using motivational interviewing is feasible and well-received for addressing healthy behaviors in children with obesity
This conclusion is most relevant to: 42 families with children aged 5-11 (mean age 8.8 ± 1.8, 54% female) with childhood obesity.
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸'eatNplay'- a family-based, telehealth intervention for childhood obesity: A randomized newsletter-controlled pilot study. (Contemporary clinical trials, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Weekly telehealth group sessions delivered by nurse and MI expert
- ▸Motivational interviewing techniques used to encourage healthy behavior change
- ▸Discussions covered diet, physical activity, screentime, and sleep
- ▸Result: High engagement and attendance, indicating feasibility and acceptability
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸42 families with children aged 5-11 (mean age 8.8 ± 1.8, 54% female) with childhood obesity
Recommended Dose
N/A
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Pilot study with small sample size (42 families) and short intervention duration (4 weeks)
- ▸No statistical effect sizes or significance testing reported for outcome measures
- ▸Crossover design may introduce carryover effects despite washout period
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 'eatNplay' intervention?▼
It is a family-based telehealth intervention that includes weekly group sessions led by a nurse and motivational interviewing expert, focusing on diet, physical activity, screentime, and sleep for children with obesity.
How long was the intervention?▼
The intervention lasted 4 weeks (Phase-1), followed by a 2-week washout and then a control period (Phase-2) of 4 weeks.
Was the intervention effective in changing health behaviors?▼
The study primarily assessed feasibility; while outcomes were measured, no effect sizes or statistical significance were reported, so effectiveness cannot be concluded from this pilot.
Who participated in the study?▼
42 families with children aged 5-11 who had childhood obesity, with a mean age of 8.8 years and 54% female.
References
- 1.Arce B, Davis-Ajami ML, Ortyl B, Hartlieb K, Dickinson S, Golzarri-Arroyo L, Faith M, Jayawardene W. “'eatNplay'- a family-based, telehealth intervention for childhood obesity: A randomized newsletter-controlled pilot study..” Contemporary clinical trials, 2026. PMID: 42660285 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2026.108450