Effectiveness of Parent-Involved Multi-Component Intervention Program on Lifestyle Practices and Body Mass Index of Overweight and Obese Adolescents: A Repeated Measures Study

Abstract Background: The burden of adolescent weight disorders has grown considerably worldwide and in India, highlighting the need for better prevention strategies. Since lifestyle habits are formed early, effective health promotion and obesity prevention must begin in childhood. Adolescents need support from their parents to bring about meaningful lifestyle changes. Aim: This research was designed to evaluate the extent of overweight and obesity among adolescents and to examine whether a Parent-Involved Multi-Component Intervention Program can improve lifestyle behaviors and reduce body mass index (BMI). Methods: The investigation was performed in two parts. Stage 1 used a descriptive cross-sectional study design to screen 1100 adolescents from urban English medium high schools under Mangalore City Corporation, Karnataka, India. In the second phase, a repeated-measures design was employed to evaluate the effect of the program. A total of 165 overweight and obese adolescents and their parents participated in the study. Results: Screening phase found that 237 out of 1100 adolescents were overweight or obese. The intervention phase showed significant improvements in lifestyle practices and a reduction of BMI in the study participants. Statistical analysis using repeated measures analysis of variance confirmed that there were notable changes both within the intervention group and between the experimental and control groups over time. Conclusion: The evidence suggests that involving parents in a structured lifestyle intervention can be effective in addressing adolescent obesity. Continued reinforcement and parental involvement are key strategies in promoting long-term healthy behavior among adolescents.