Communication-Based Teaching on Childhood Obesity and the Planetary Health Diet in Medical Education: Proof-of-Concept Study Comparing 4 Information Sources

Background: Childhood obesity constitutes a complex medical and psychosocial challenge that requires both nutritional knowledge and sensitive, relationship-oriented doctor-patient communication. The Planetary Health Diet links individual health promotion with environmental sustainability and represents a relevant framework for contemporary medical education. Objective: This proof-of-concept study investigated how different information sources influence medical students' acquisition, structuring, and application of knowledge on childhood obesity and the Planetary Health Diet within a communication-based teaching setting, including the exploratory use of artificial intelligence-based tools. Methods: A total of 359 second-year medical students participated in a mandatory communication seminar during the 2023-2024 academic year. Following a precourse knowledge assessment and a brief theoretical introduction, students worked on a standardized counseling scenario addressing childhood obesity. In small groups, students used only 1 assigned information source (ChatGPT, Google Search, scientific papers, or instructional videos) to prepare a counseling approach. Group outcomes were assessed using a predefined scoring system based on a sample solution, complemented by thematic content analysis. Results: All information sources enabled students to acquire relevant knowledge on childhood obesity and the Planetary Health Diet. However, groups differed with regard to the depth, differentiation, and structuring of their responses. The ChatGPT group achieved the highest conformity scores with the sample solution and provided the most additional information, followed by the Google and video groups, while the paper group achieved the lowest scores. Prior to the course, students reported limited knowledge of the Planetary Health Diet and little practical experience in counseling children with obesity and their families. Conclusions: Communication-based teaching formats provide an effective framework for introducing medical students to complex topics such as childhood obesity and sustainability-related nutrition early in their training. Easily accessible digital tools, including artificial intelligence-based systems, may facilitate knowledge acquisition and elaboration; however, their use requires explicit didactic framing, critical source evaluation, and reflection on the complexity of chronic conditions to support responsible and realistic learning outcomes in future physicians.