H2GO! Program for Childhood Obesity
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to determine if a program can help children reduce sugary drink consumption to address childhood obesity. Participating families will either join a six-week empowerment program called H2GO! at select Boys and Girls Clubs or continue with the usual club activities. The program includes group sessions that focus on improving knowledge and habits related to drinking fewer sugary beverages and more water. Families who are current members of a participating Boys and Girls Club and have children aged 9-12 may be well-suited for this trial. As an unphased trial, this study offers families a unique opportunity to contribute to research that could promote healthier lifestyle choices for children.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether participants need to stop taking their current medications.
What prior data suggests that the H2GO! program is safe for children?
Research shows that the H2GO! program is a community effort to encourage young people to drink less sugary drinks and more water. Although specific safety data for this program is unavailable, it resembles other programs like Go4Fun®, which have proven safe and well-received in community settings.
This program does not test a new drug or medical device, so it does not fall under typical clinical trial phases. Instead, it focuses on changing habits and educating participants, usually involving minimal risk. Participants attend group sessions led by trained staff, where they learn to make healthier choices. This setup is generally considered safe for everyone involved.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the H2GO! Program for childhood obesity because it focuses on changing daily habits in a supportive community setting. Unlike standard treatments that often emphasize diet and exercise broadly, H2GO! specifically targets reducing sugar-sweetened beverages and increasing water intake through engaging, twice-weekly sessions. This program not only aims to change behaviors but also equips children and parents with the knowledge and skills needed to make healthier choices independently, offering a fresh approach to tackling childhood obesity.
What evidence suggests that the H2GO! program is effective for reducing childhood obesity?
Research has shown that reducing sugary drink consumption can help tackle childhood obesity. The H2GO! program is being tested in this trial as an intervention to decrease the amount of sugary drinks children consume. This reduction is linked to a lower body mass index (BMI), a measure of body fat based on height and weight. Early results from similar programs suggest that attending these sessions might improve children's BMI. The goal is to teach kids to choose healthier drinks, like water, instead of sugary ones.23567
Who Is on the Research Team?
Monica Wang, ScD
Principal Investigator
Boston University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for children aged 9-12 who are members at a Boys and Girls Club study site, can communicate in English, and have parental permission to participate. It aims to tackle childhood obesity by focusing on reducing sugar-sweetened beverage intake.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Intervention
6-week community-based behavioral program consisting of 12 group-based weekly sessions targeting sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and water consumption
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in BMI, sugar-sweetened beverage intake, water intake, and youth empowerment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- H2GO!
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Boston University
Lead Sponsor
University of Massachusetts, Worcester
Collaborator
Massachusetts Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs
Collaborator