HomeStyles-2 Program for Childhood Obesity

(HomeStyles-2 Trial)

The trial aims to help parents create healthier home environments to support their children's well-being and reduce the risk of obesity. It targets families with children aged 6 to 11, teaching parents about nutrition, exercise, and healthy routines through an online program. Participants will join either the "Healthy HomeStyles" group, which addresses diet and lifestyle, or the "Safe HomeStyles" group, which focuses on home safety topics. Families with children in middle childhood, where parents are the main decision-makers for food and have internet access, might be a good fit. As an unphased trial, this study offers families the opportunity to actively contribute to research that could enhance children's health and well-being.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

Research has shown that the HomeStyles-2 program helps families create healthier home environments to prevent childhood obesity. It offers practical tips on nutrition, exercise, and sleep. In a previous study, families found the program very helpful, with 96% of participants reporting high satisfaction. This suggests the program is practical and easy to follow.

Researchers are excited about the HomeStyles-2 program because it takes a holistic, family-focused approach to preventing childhood obesity. Unlike traditional treatments that might focus solely on diet or physical activity, this program addresses a range of lifestyle factors, including nutrition, meal habits, physical activity, and sleep. By providing online educational tools, it empowers families to make sustainable lifestyle changes together, which is a fresh take on tackling obesity. Moreover, the program also includes an active comparator arm that focuses on home safety, which indirectly supports healthier living environments. This dual focus on health and safety in the home setting is what sets it apart from conventional treatments.

Research has shown that the HomeStyles-2 program can improve family health by addressing childhood obesity. In this trial, participants will join one of two treatment arms. The "Healthy HomeStyles" arm focuses on enhancing children's health and nutritional habits, such as increasing fruit and vegetable intake, having more family meals, reducing sugary drink consumption, and boosting physical activity. Early results indicate positive changes in these areas. Meanwhile, the "Safe HomeStyles" arm addresses home safety issues, including indoor air quality and food safety. Previous tests of the program revealed high participant satisfaction and significant health improvements. This suggests that HomeStyles-2 could effectively promote healthier lifestyles for children and their families.²³⁶⁷⁸