Authoritative feeding behaviors to reduce child BMI through online interventions

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to examine the feasibility and initial efficacies of parent- and/or child-focused online interventions and variables correlated with child body mass index percentile change. Design and Methods: A feasibility and cluster randomized controlled pilot study was used. Results: Recruitment was more effective at parent-teacher conferences compared with when materials were sent home with fifth- to eighth-grade culturally diverse students. Retention was 90% for students and 62-74% for parents. Authoritative parent feeding behaviors were associated with lower child body mass index. A larger study is warranted. Practice Implications: Online approaches may provide a feasible option for childhood obesity prevention and amelioration.