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

Abstract

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.