An online computer-tailored intervention for adolescents which focuses on reducing inactivity and sedentary behavior, raising physical activity, and promoting good eating habits was found not be effective in the long-term, researchers from Erasmus University Medical Center, the Netherlands reported in the journal Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine. Called the FATaintPHAT intervention, it may have short-term benefits in improving eating behaviors, the authors added.

The researchers wrote as background data:

“The high prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents is a major public health concern because of its association with various chronic diseases. Computer tailoring has been recognized as a promising health communication technique to promote energy balance-related behaviors.”

Nicole P. M. Ezendam, Ph.D., and team created the FATaintPHAT intervention, an online school-based system. 883 pupils from 20 schools in the Netherlands were involved. The children were aged twelve and thirteen years. The main aims were to improve eating habits, increase physical activity and reduce sedentary lifestyle.

The children were assigned into two groups:

  • The intervention group
  • The control group

Those who did not meet behavioral guidelines when the study began were considered at risk.

The program included eight modules that attempted to address energy balance behaviors and weight management. Each module had data regarding the behavior-health association, behavior assessment, feedback on behavior that was individually tailored, and an option to put into action specific steps for certain goals.

The intervention was found to make no difference to the children’s waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), and their obesity/overweight rate.

At four months they found that those in the intervention group were less likely to drink 13.52 ounces (400 milliliters) of sugary drinks each day compared to those in the other group, but not those in the at-risk group.

Although there was less reported snack consumption at the four-month follow up in the intervention group, the difference became statistically insignificant after two years.

The at risk children in the intervention group ate more fruit and vegetables than their counterparts in the control group at four months.

Those in the intervention group who were not at risk ate more vegetables than those in the control group who were not at risk.

There was no difference in whole-wheat consumption between the two groups.

The at risk children in the intervention group were less likely to take part in sports compared to their equivalents in the control group at four months.

The authors explained:

“The FATaintPHAT intervention was associated with positive short-term effects on diet but with no effects or unfavorable effects on physical activity and sedentary behavior. In conclusion, our study shows that the computer-tailored intervention FATaintPHAT was not effective in modifying anthropometric outcome measures but that it can have a positive effect on dietary behaviors among adolescents at short-term follow-up.”

Written by Christian Nordqvist