behavioral interventions forweight management in overweight and obese adolescents: a comparison between a motivation-based educational program and conventional dietary counseling

Objectives: this study aimed to compare the effects of a three-month motivation-based educational program and conventional dietary counseling on body composition and relevant outcomes among overweight and obese adolescents. methods: a total of 115 overweight and obese adolescents (46% boys) were randomly assigned to either a motivation-based program or a conventional dietary counseling. the assessments were conducted at baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months after intervention. results: mean age and body mass index (bmi) z-score were 14.5 ± 1.2 and 2.42 ± 0.62, respectively. considering time trend analysis, the two groups achieved significant improvements in bmi z-score, wrist and waist circumferences, body composition indices, and hrqol total scores after a one-year follow-up. wrist circumference and the hrqol reported by parents revealed significant differences between the study groups in favor of the motivation-based program. conclusions: although both programs could improve anthropometric indices and hrqol over time, the motivation-based program was more effective in reducing adolescents’ wrist circumference and improving hrqol, as the parents reported.