A prenatal group based phone counseling intervention to improve breastfeeding rates and complementary feeding: a randomized, controlled pilot and feasibility trial.

BACKGROUND: Despite numerous benefits for both mom and baby, few infants are exclusively breastfed for the recommended first six months. Additionally, infants are given solids too early. Prenatal education increases rates of breastfeeding initiation and we hypothesize it can also improve exclusive breastfeeding rates and prevent the early introduction of solids. We conducted a randomized controlled pilot and feasibility trial to understand the feasibility and maternal acceptance of a prenatal behavioral lifestyle intervention (PBLI) delivered via group based phone counseling (GBPC) and its effectiveness on rates of exclusive breastfeeding up to six months postpartum. Secondary aims included rates of any breastfeeding up to six months, rates of early introduction of solids, and infant feeding progression. METHODS: Forty-one pregnant women were recruited from a Kansas City Metropolitan Obstetrics and Gynecology office and randomly assigned to a usual care group or a PBLI. Women in the PBLI participated in six GBPC sessions where they learned about breastfeeding and introducing solids. Feeding questionnaires to assess breastfeeding and introduction of solids were sent at two weeks, two months, four months, and six months postpartum. Structured interviews were also conducted after the intervention and at six months postpartum to assess maternal acceptance and intervention feasibility. RESULTS: Participants overwhelmingly found the intervention acceptable and beneficial. Rates of exclusive breastfeeding and any breastfeeding did not differ between groups at any time point. No between group differences were found for early introduction of solids or infant feeding progression. CONCLUSIONS: Mothers discontinue breastfeeding earlier than recommended despite high rates of initiation. A PBLI delivered via GBP is feasible, acceptable to participants, and showed positive impacts such as maternal empowerment for both breastfeeding and introducing solids. Future interventions should incorporate both prenatal and postpartum components. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Study protocols were approved by the University of Kansas Medical Center's Human Subjects Committee (STUDY00140506) and registered at ClinicalTrials.gov on 02/22/2018 ( NCT03442517 , retrospectively registered). All participants gave written informed consent prior to data collection.

College student sleep quality and mental and physical health are associated with food insecurity in a multi-campus study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between food insecurity, sleep quality, and days with mental and physical health issues among college students. DESIGN: An online survey was administered. Food insecurity was assessed using the ten-item Adult Food Security Survey Module. Sleep was measured using the nineteen-item Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Mental health and physical health were measured using three items from the Healthy Days Core Module. Multivariate logistic regression was conducted to assess the relationship between food insecurity, sleep quality, and days with poor mental and physical health. SETTING: Twenty-two higher education institutions. PARTICIPANTS: College students (n 17 686) enrolled at one of twenty-two participating universities. RESULTS: Compared with food-secure students, those classified as food insecure (43·4 %) had higher PSQI scores indicating poorer sleep quality (P < 0·0001) and reported more days with poor mental (P < 0·0001) and physical (P < 0·0001) health as well as days when mental and physical health prevented them from completing daily activities (P < 0·0001). Food-insecure students had higher adjusted odds of having poor sleep quality (adjusted OR (AOR): 1·13; 95 % CI 1·12, 1·14), days with poor physical health (AOR: 1·01; 95 % CI 1·01, 1·02), days with poor mental health (AOR: 1·03; 95 % CI 1·02, 1·03) and days when poor mental or physical health prevented them from completing daily activities (AOR: 1·03; 95 % CI 1·02, 1·04). CONCLUSIONS: College students report high food insecurity which is associated with poor mental and physical health, and sleep quality. Multi-level policy changes and campus wellness programmes are needed to prevent food insecurity and improve student health-related outcomes.

The effect of high dietary fiber intake on gestational weight gain, fat accrual, and postpartum weight retention: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Interventions to prevent excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) have had limited success This pilot study examined the effectiveness of a single goal (SG) high dietary fiber intervention to prevent excessive GWG. METHODS: Twelve weekly lessons focused on consuming a high fiber diet (≥30 g/day). Snacks containing 10-12 g of dietary fiber were given for the first 6 weeks only. Body composition was measured at baseline and at the end of the intervention. At one-year postpartum, body weight retention and dietary practices were assessed. A p-value is reported for the primary analysis only. For all other comparisons, Cohen's d is reported to indicate effect size. RESULTS: The SG group increased fiber intake during the study (32 g/day at 6 weeks, 27 g/day at 12 weeks), whereas the UC group did not (~ 17 g/day). No differences were found for the proportion of women classified as excessive gainers (p = 0.13). During the intervention, the SG group gained less body weight (- 4.1 kg) and less fat mass (- 2.8 kg) (d = 1.3). At 1 year postpartum, the SG group retained less weight (0.35 vs. 4.4 kg, respectively, d = 1.8), and reported trying to currently eat high fiber foods. CONCLUSION: The SG intervention resulted in less weight gain, fat accrual, and weight retention at 1 year postpartum. A residual intervention effect was detected postpartum with the participants reporting continued efforts to consume a high fiber diet. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03984630; Trial registered June 13, 2019 (retrospectively registered).

Weight management in adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities: A randomized controlled trial of two dietary approaches.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of obesity among individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) is equal to or greater than the general population. METHODS: Overweight/obese adults (BMI ≥25 kg/m2 ) with mild-to-moderate intellectual and developmental disabilities were randomized to an enhanced stop light diet (eSLD = SLD + portion-controlled meals, n = 78) or a conventional diet (CD, n = 72) for an 18 months trial (6 months weight loss, 12 months maintenance). Participants were asked to increase physical activity (150 min/week), self-monitor diet and physical activity and attend counselling/educational sessions during monthly home visits. RESULTS: Weight loss (6 months) was significantly greater in the eSLD (-7.0% ± 5.0%) compared with the CD group (-3.8% ± 5.1%, p < .001). However, at 18 months, weight loss between groups did not differ significantly (eSLD = -6.7% ± 8.3%; CD = 6.4% ± 8.6%; p = .82). CONCLUSION: The eSLD and CD provided clinically meaningful weight loss over 18 months in adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

A high fiber diet intervention during pregnancy: The SPROUT (Single goal in PRegnancy to optimize OUTcomes) protocol paper.

BACKGROUND: Interventions to prevent excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) have had a limited impact on maternal and infant outcomes. Dietary fiber is a nutrient with benefits that counters many of the metabolic and inflammatory changes that occur during pregnancy. We will determine if a high dietary fiber (HFib) intervention provides benefit to maternal and infant outcomes. METHODS AND DESIGN: Pregnant women will be enrolled in an 18-week intervention and randomized in groups of 6-10 women/group into the intervention or control group. Weekly lessons will include information on high-dietary fiber foods and behavior change strategies. Women in the intervention group will be given daily snacks high in dietary fiber (10-12 g/day) to facilitate increasing dietary fiber intake. The primary aim will assess between-group differences for the change in maternal weight, dietary fiber intake, dietary quality, and body composition during pregnancy and up to two months post-partum. The secondary aim will assess between-group differences for the change in maternal weight, dietary fiber intake, and dietary quality from two months to one year post-partum and infant body composition from birth to one-year-old. DISCUSSION: Effective and simple intervention strategies to improve maternal and offspring outcomes are lacking. Changes during the perinatal period are related to the risk of disease development in the mother and offspring. However, it is unknown which changes can be successfully targeted to have a meaningful impact. We will test the effect of an intervention designed to counter many of the metabolic and inflammatory changes that occur during pregnancy. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The University of Kansas Medical Center Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved the study protocol (STUDY00145397). The results of the trial will be disseminated at conferences and in peer reviewed publications. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04868110.

Objective and subjective sleep disturbances in individuals with psychiatric disabilities.

Sleep disturbances are common complaints in individuals with psychiatric disabilities, frequently occurring at onset and with exacerbation of illness. A small descriptive study of community-based overweight individuals (N = 9) completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, wore an ActiGraph and kept a sleep diary for 7 to 14 days. All but two participants had poor sleep efficiency based on actigraphy scores, an objective measure of sleep. These scores were in agreement with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, a self-report measure, in all but one participant. The findings indicate the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index is a comprehensive measure to use in assessing sleep in individuals who have psychiatric disabilities.

A randomized trial comparing diet and delivery strategies for weight management in adolescents with intellectual disabilities.

BACKGROUND: The literature evaluating multi-component interventions for long-term weight loss in adolescents with intellectual disabilities (ID) is extremely limited. OBJECTIVES: To compare the effectiveness of two delivery strategies, face-to-face (FTF) or remote delivery (RD), and two diets, enhanced Stop Light diet (eSLD) or conventional diet (CD) on weight change across 12 and 18 months. in response to an 18 months. weight management intervention (6 months Weight loss/12 months. Weight maintenance) in adolescents with ID. METHODS: Adolescents with ID were randomized to one of three arms: FTF /CD, RD/CD, RD/eSLD and asked to attend individual education sessions with a health educator which were delivered during FTF home visits or remotely using video conferencing. The CD followed the US dietary guidelines. The eSLD utilized the Stop Light guide and was enhanced with portion-controlled meals. Participants were also asked to increase their physical activity (PA) and to self-monitor diet, PA and body weight across the 18-month. RESULTS: Weight was obtained from 92(84%) and 89(81%) randomized adolescents at 12 and 18 months, respectively. Weight change across 12 months. Differed significantly by diet (RD/eSLD: -7.0% vs. RD/CD: -1.1%, p = 0.002) but not by delivery strategy (FTF/CD: +1.1% vs. RD/CD: -1.1%, p = 0.21). Weight change across 18 months. Was minimal in all intervention arms and did not differ by diet (RD/eSLD: -2.6% vs. RD/CD: -0.5%; p = 0.28) or delivery strategy (FTF/CD: +1.6% vs. RD/CD: -0.5%; p = 0.47). CONCLUSIONS: Additional research is required to identify effective strategies to improve long-term weight loss in adolescents with ID.

Struggling with the basics: food and housing insecurity among college students across twenty-two colleges and universities.

OBJECTIVES: To quantify the number and type of students failing to secure basic needs. PARTICIPANTS: Students attending 22 postsecondary schools in the United States in Fall 2019. METHODS: The Adult Food Security Module and part of the #RealCollege Survey were used to measure food and housing insecurity, respectively. Logistic and linear regression models were used to assess the relationship between selected factors and basic needs insecurities. RESULTS: Participants (n = 22,153) were classified as 44.1% and 52.3% food insecure and housing insecure, respectively. Homeless students or those who experienced childhood food insecurity were at the greatest odds of college food insecurity. Year in school was the largest contributor to being housing insecure, with PhD or EdD students being 1,157% more likely to experience housing insecurity compared to freshmen. CONCLUSIONS: High prevalence of basic needs insecurities remain. Current campus initiatives may be insufficient, calling for a more holistic approach at the campus, state, and national levels.

The use of TeleMedicine in the treatment of paediatric obesity: feasibility and acceptability.

To assess the feasibility of conducting empirically supported family-based paediatric obesity group treatment via TeleMedicine. Seventeen families were randomly assigned to one of two conditions (physician visit, TeleMedicine). Measures included feasibility, satisfaction and intervention outcome measures such as BMI percentile, and nutrition and activity behaviours. Measures were completed at baseline, post-treatment and at 1-year follow-up. Analyses indicate that both feasibility and satisfaction data regarding the TeleMedicine intervention were positive. Intervention outcome indicates no change in BMI percentile or nutrition and activity behaviours for either treatment group. A behavioural family-based weight loss intervention delivered via TeleMedicine was well received by both parents and providers. Due to the small sample size, null findings regarding intervention outcome should be interpreted with caution. Future research should focus on methods to increase the impact of this intervention on key outcome variables.

Calcium, fiber, iron, and sodium intake in adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities and overweight and obesity.

BACKGROUND: Adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and overweight or obesity (OW/OB) are a nutritionally vulnerable group with increased risk of nutritional deficiencies. However, there are limited data examining micronutrient intake in adolescents with IDD and OW/OB. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the adequacy of calcium, iron, fiber, and sodium intake referenced against the United States Dietary Reference Intakes in adolescents with IDD and OW/OB. METHODS: Three-day image-assisted food records were used to assess dietary intake of 64 adolescents with IDD and OW/OB. A mean ± standard deviation was calculated for mean intake of calcium (mg), fiber (g/1000 kcals energy), iron (mg), and sodium (mg). RESULTS: A total of 157 nutrient intake observations were completed by 64 participants (56% female, 16.3 ± 2.3 years). Calcium intake for participants ages 14-18 years (n = 57) was 1027.4 ± 607.5 mg, which is below the EAR of 1050 mg. Calcium intake for participants ages ≥19 years (n = 7) was 921.1 ± 596.4 mg, which is greater than the EAR of 840 mg. Fiber intake was 8.4 ± 3.6 g/1000 kcals, which is below the AI of 14 g/1000 kcals. Iron intake for all participants exceeded their respective EARs. Sodium intake was 3180.9 ± 975.9 mg, which above the AI of 2300 mg. CONCLUSION: Calcium intake was adequate for participants ≥19 years of age, but inadequate for participants 14-18 years. For all participants, iron and sodium intake exceeded the DRI while fiber intake was below the DRI.

A Randomized Trial Evaluating Exercise for the Prevention of Weight Regain.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of three levels of exercise on weight regain subsequent to clinically meaningful weight loss (WL). METHODS: Adults with overweight or obesity (n = 298) initiated a 3-month behavioral WL intervention, which included reduced energy intake, increased exercise, and weekly behavioral counseling. Participants achieving ≥5% WL (n = 235) began a 12-month behavioral WL maintenance intervention and were randomized to 150 min/wk (n = 76), 225 min/wk (n = 80), or 300 min/wk (n = 79) of partially supervised moderate-to-vigorous-intensity exercise. RESULTS: Participants randomized to 150, 225, and 300 minutes of exercise completed 129 ± 30, 153 ± 49 and 179 ± 62 min/wk of exercise (supervised + unsupervised), respectively. Mean WL at 3 months (9.5 ± 3.1 kg) was similar across randomized groups (P = 0.68). Weight change across 12 months was 1.1 ± 6.5 kg, 3.2 ± 5.7 kg, and 2.8 ± 6.9 kg in the 150, 225, and 300 min/wk groups, respectively. Intent-to-treat analysis revealed no significant overall trend across the three treatment groups (P = 0.09), effects for group (P = 0.08), or sex (P = 0.21). CONCLUSIONS: This study found no evidence for an association between the volume of moderate-to-vigorous-intensity exercise and weight regain across 12 months following clinically relevant WL. Further, results suggest that exercise volumes lower than those currently recommended for WL maintenance, when completed in conjunction with a behavioral weight-maintenance intervention, may minimize weight regain over 12 months.

Weight Loss Interventions for Adolescents With Intellectual Disabilities: An RCT.

OBJECTIVES: In this randomized trial, we compared the effectiveness of 2 diets (enhanced stop light diet [eSLD] versus conventional meal plan diet [CD]) and 2 delivery strategies (face-to-face [FTF] versus remote delivery [RD]) on weight loss across 6 months in adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities who were overweight or obese. METHODS: Participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 arms (FTF/CD, RD/CD, or RD/eSLD) and asked to attend one-on-one sessions with a health educator every 2 weeks to aid in maintaining compliance with recommendations for a reduced-energy diet and increased physical activity. The CD followed the US dietary guidelines. The eSLD used the stop light guide and was enhanced with portion-controlled meals. The FTF arm was delivered during in-person home visits. The RD arms were delivered by using video conferencing. RESULTS: A total of 110 adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities (aged ∼16 years, 53% female, BMI 33) were randomly assigned to the FTF/CD (n = 36), RD/CD (n = 39), or RD/eSLD (n = 35) group. Body weight at 6 months was obtained from 97%, 100%, and 86% of participants in the FTF/CD, RD/CD, and RD/eSLD arms, respectively. The eSLD elicited significantly greater weight loss than the CD: RD/eSLD (-5.0 ± 5.9 kg; -6.4%) versus RD/CD (-1.8 ± 4.0 kg; -2.4%) (P = .01). However, weight loss did not differ by delivery strategy: FTF/CD (-0.3 ± 5.0 kg; -0.2%) versus RD/CD (-1.8 ± 4.0 kg; -2.4%) (P = .20). CONCLUSIONS: The eSLD elicited significantly greater 6-month weight loss compared with a CD when both interventions were delivered remotely. Minimal 6-month weight loss, which did not differ significantly between FTF delivery and RD, was observed with a CD.

Safety considerations when promoting exercise in individuals with serious mental illness.

Histories and physical exams, completed prior to starting a weight loss program, showed that 52% (N=106) had high risk for coronary artery disease (CAD), 40% had difficulty performing a tandem gait (indicator of balance), and 30% had an existing musculoskeletal disorder. These risks are realistic concerns when recommending exercise and/or walking.

The prevalence of night eating syndrome and binge eating disorder among overweight and obese individuals with serious mental illness.

The prevalence of night eating syndrome (NES) and binge eating disorder (BED) was assessed among overweight and obese, weight-loss-seeking individuals with serious mental illness (SMI). Sixty-eight consecutive overweight (BMI > or = 25 kg/m(2)) and obese (BMI > or = 30 kg/m(2)) individuals with SMI (mean age = 43.9 years; mean BMI = 37.2 kg/(2); 67.6% Caucasian, 60.3% female) who were enrolled in a group behavioral weight loss treatment program were assessed at baseline for NES and BED with clinician-administered diagnostic interviews. Using conservative criteria, 25.0% met criteria for NES, 5.9% met criteria for BED, and only one participant met criteria for both NES and BED. This is the first study to find that obese individuals with SMI, compared with previously studied populations, are at significantly greater risk for NES, but are not at greater risk for BED. Stress, sleep, and medication use might account for the high prevalence of NES found in this population.

Simulations for Teaching and Evaluating Nutrition-Focused Physical Exam Skills.

OBJECTIVE: To develop, implement, and evaluate a patient simulation to assess Nutrition-Focused Physical Exam (NFPE) skills among dietetics students. METHODS: Three student cohorts (n = 47) in a combined internship and master's program participated. Curricula included: (1) formal instruction with practice resources, (2) baseline NFPE evaluation performed on a classmate, and (3) final NFPE evaluation performed on a standardized patient. Trained observers evaluated students using the NFPE Skills Assessment tool. Self-rated performance was assessed by the 8-item survey completed at baseline and after the final evaluation. Paired t tests analyzed differences in observed NFPE skill, and 1-tailed Wilcoxon signed-rank test analyzed differences in survey responses. RESULTS: Nutrition-Focused Physical Exam skill improvements were observed for each cohort (P < .05). Surveys demonstrated increased comfort touching patients (P < .001), and improved self-rated abilities to assess subcutaneous fat, muscle stores, fluid accumulation, and micronutrient deficiency (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Simulations were an effective method for increasing observed and perceived NFPE skills among dietetics students. These findings justify the investigation of these methods within a larger sample of students from multiple programs with rigorous study design.

Health behaviors and weight status among urban and rural children.

INTRODUCTION: Pediatric overweight is currently reaching epidemic proportions but little information exists on differences in weight related behaviors between urban and rural children. OBJECTIVE: To assess health behaviors and weight status among urban and rural school-age children. METHODS: Fifth-grade children at two urban and two rural schools were invited to participate in an assessment study of their health behaviors and weight status. A total of 138 children (mean age = 10 years; % female = 54.6) chose to participate. RESULTS: Children in rural and urban areas consumed equivalent calories per day and calories from fat, but rural children ate more junk food and urban children were more likely to skip breakfast. Urban children engaged in more metabolic equivalent tasks and had slightly higher total sedentary activity than rural children. The BMI percentile was equivalent across rural and urban children but rural children were more often overweight and urban children were more often at risk for overweight. CONCLUSIONS: Although some variables were equivalent across urban and rural children, results indicate some key health behavior differences between groups. Results should be interpreted with caution as the sample size was small and there were demographic differences between urban and rural samples.

Changes in Energy Intake and Diet Quality during an 18-Month Weight-Management Randomized Controlled Trial in Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

BACKGROUND: Previous research indicates that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) are at risk for poor diet quality. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this secondary analysis was to determine whether two different weight-loss diets affect energy intake, macronutrient intake, and diet quality as measured by the Healthy Eating Index-2010 (HEI-2010) during a 6-month weight-loss period and 12-month weight-management period, and to examine differences in energy intake, macronutrient intake, and HEI-2010 between groups. DESIGN: Overweight/obese adults with IDDs took part in an 18-month randomized controlled trial and were assigned to either an enhanced Stop Light Diet utilizing portion-controlled meals or a conventional diet consisting of reducing energy intake and following the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Proxy-assisted 3-day food records were collected at baseline, 6 months, and 18 months, and were analyzed using Nutrition Data System for Research software. HEI-2010 was calculated using the data from Nutrition Data System for Research. PARTICIPANTS/SETTING: The study took place from June 2011 through May 2014 in the greater Kansas City metropolitan area. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: This was a secondary analysis of a weight-management intervention for adults with IDDs randomized to an enhanced Stop Light Diet or conventional diet, to examine differences in energy intake, macronutrient intake, and HEI-2010 across time and between groups. STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED: Independent- and paired-samples t tests and general mixed modeling for repeated measures were performed to examine group differences and changes at baseline, 6 months, and 18 months between the enhanced Stop Light Diet and conventional diet groups. RESULTS: One hundred and forty six participants (57% female, mean±standard deviation age=36.2±12.0 years) were randomized to either the enhanced Stop Light Diet or conventional diet group (77 enhanced Stop Light Diet, 69 conventional diet) and provided data for analysis at baseline, 124 completed the 6-month weight-loss period, and 101 completed the 18-month study. Participants on the enhanced Stop Light Diet diet significantly reduced energy intake at 6 and 18 months (both P<0.001), but those on the conventional diet did not (both P=0.13). However, when accounting for age, sex, race, education level, and support level (mild vs moderate IDD), there was a significant decrease during the 18-month intervention in energy intake for the enhanced Stop Light Diet and conventional diet groups combined (P<0.01 for time effect), but no significant group difference in this change (P=0.39 for group-by-time interaction). There was no significant change in total HEI-2010 score at 6 and 18 months (P=0.05 and P=0.38 for the enhanced Stop Light Diet group; P=0.22 and P=0.17 for the conventional diet group), and no significant group difference at 6 and 18 months (P=0.08 and P=0.42). However, when participants' age, sex, race, education level, and support level were accounted for, mixed modeling indicated a significant increase in total HEI-2010 scores for the enhanced Stop Light Diet and conventional diet groups combined during the 18-month intervention (P=0.01 for time effect). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study found that after controlling for demographic factors, individuals with IDDs can decrease their energy intake and increase their diet quality, with no significant differences between the enhanced Stop Light Diet and conventional diet groups.

A psychiatric rehabilitation approach to weight loss.

Obesity is a major problem nationwide and even more prevalent among people with psychiatric disabilities. This study examined the efficacy of a psychiatric rehabilitation weight loss program. Twenty-one individuals participated in the 12-week intervention. Another 15 individuals served as matched controls. Results indicate the intervention group improved more than the control group for weight, body mass index, waist circumference and physical activity. The intervention group lost 2.7 kg (6 lbs) and the control group gained 0.5 kg (1 lb). A weight loss program incorporating psychiatric rehabilitation principles was effective for people with psychiatric disabilities at a community based program.

Parents' perspective on weight management interventions for adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

BACKGROUND: Adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have high rates of obesity. However, little research has been conducted demonstrating effective strategies and barriers for weight loss or weight management in adolescents with IDD. Furthermore, parents play a large role in terms of weight management in children and adolescents with IDD, and their views should be taken into consideration when designing a diet and PA intervention for weight management. OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study are to better understand the parents' perspectives on the strategies and barriers for helping children and adolescents with IDD be successful in a weight management program and to identify how this information to guide future approaches. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted in 18 parents whose children had just finished a diet and PA intervention. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, and thematic analysis was performed. RESULTS: Parents reported a positive attitude toward the program, liked the convenience of the program, and felt that they learned beneficial strategies to encourage healthy habits in the home. Parents found time to be a major barrier to supporting their child with a diet and PA intervention. Parents were willing to change their own dietary behaviors to help their children successfully follow a weight loss intervention; however, no parent reported changing their own PA levels. CONCLUSION: Future diet and PA studies should aim to reduce parental time commitment and increase importance of PA.

The use of technology for delivering a weight loss program for adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are at an increased risk of obesity, with up to 55% considered overweight and 31% obese. However, there has been minimal research on weight management strategies for adolescents with IDD. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of two weight loss diets, an enhanced Stop Light Diet (eSLD) and a conventional diet (CD), and to determine the feasibility of using tablet computers as a weight loss tool in overweight and obese adolescents with IDD. A 2-month pilot intervention was conducted. All participants were randomized to the eSLD or CD and were given a tablet computer that they used to track daily dietary intake and physical activity. Participants and parents met weekly with a registered dietitian nutritionist via video chat on the tablet computer to receive diet and physical activity feedback and education. Twenty participants (45% female, aged 14.9±2.2 years) were randomized and completed the intervention. Participants in both diets were able to lose weight, and there were no significant differences between the eSLD and CD (-3.89±2.66 kg vs -2.22±1.37 kg). Participants were able to use the tablet computer to track their dietary intake 83.4%±21.3% of possible days and to attend 80.0% of the video chat meetings. Both dietary interventions appear to promote weight loss in adolescents with IDD, and the use of tablet computers appears to be a feasible tool to deliver a weight loss intervention in adolescents with IDD.