The Effect of Three Different Dietary Messages on Dietary Intake and Health in Families

The goal of this pilot study is to conduct a randomized controlled trial examining three
dietary messages: increase fruits and vegetables [INCREASE], decrease energy-dense,
non-nutrient dense snack foods [DECREASE], or increase fruits and vegetables plus decrease
snack foods [INCREASE+DECREASE], within a 6-month, family-based obesity prevention
intervention. Each condition will also focus on increasing family evening meals and physical
activity. Primary hypotheses are: 1) INCREASE + DECREASE will consume a greater ratio of
F&Vs:SFs than INCREASE and DECREASE at 6 months.

2)INCREASE + DECREASE will consume less energy than INCREASE and DECREASE at 6 months.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Children between ages 6-12 years

- BMI percentile > 5th and < 85th percentile for age and sex

- Have a parent aged > 21 years with a BMI > 25

- Have an overweight/obese parent willing to attend intervention meetings

- Parent and child speak and read English

- Not moving out of the metropolitan area during the course of the investigation

Exclusion Criteria:

- Reporting that the child and parent planning to participate have dietary restrictions
related to fruit and vegetable intake

- Physical activity restrictions

- A parent reporting that she is pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or currently
breastfeeding