Tools- of Changes

Digital Intervention Helps Prevent Childhood Obesity

Adding text messaging to nutrition counselling for parents of infants under two years of age reduced childhood obesity rates by 45%. The approach is scalable and cost-effective.

• This randomized trial followed 900 parent-infant pairs (86.3% retention). These pairs were randomly sorted into two groups.
• Both groups received counseling on healthy nutrition and behaviors from their primary care providers, along with eight educational booklets matching the child's age at regular well visits, with guidance and goal-setting tips in English or Spanish on feeding, physical activity, sleep and screen time.
• Next, half of the pairs received personalized, interactive text messages from a fully automated system, and access to a web-based "dashboard" designed to help parents keep track of healthy goals.
  • Goals (such as fewer sugar-sweetened beverages or less screen time) were texted in English or Spanish every two weeks until 2 years of age. Those texts were followed by five automated check-in messages throughout the two weeks. Parents were asked to self-rate their goal progress.
  • Based on parents' responses, the automated digital intervention system then provided immediate feedback, tips for addressing challenges and encouragement based on progress.
• Published in November 2024