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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.

Last updated: Aug 29, 2026•1 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score42/100
Human RCT★★☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. 'eatNplay'- a family-based, telehealth intervention for childhood obesity: A randomized newsletter-controlled pilot study.

observational

Arce B, Davis-Ajami ML, Ortyl B, Hartlieb K, Dickinson S, Golzarri-Arroyo L, Faith M, Jayawardene W · Contemporary clinical trials (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: 10 weeks (including washout and control phases)
Intervention: Weekly 'eatNplay' group telehealth sessions conducted by a registered nurse and motivational interviewing expert, focusing on diet, physical activity, screentime, and sleep
Outcome: Feasibility (engagement scores, attendance), dietary intake, physical activity, screentime, and sleep outcomes compared to American Pediatrics Association recommendations
Effect Size: N/A
Population: 42 families with children aged 5-11 (mean age 8.8 ± 1.8, 54% female) with childhood obesity

Result:

PubMed: 42660285DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2026.108450

Mechanism Graph

Weekly telehealth group sessions delivered by nurse and MI expert
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Motivational interviewing techniques used to encourage healthy behavior change
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Discussions covered diet, physical activity, screentime, and sleep
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Result: High engagement and attendance, indicating feasibility and acceptability

Limitations

  • ⚠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.

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References

  1. 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
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.