Predictors of parent self-monitoring patterns in a family-based behavioral weight loss treatment program

Objective: Self-monitoring dietary intake is a critical component of family-based intensive health behavior and lifestyle treatment for pediatric obesity, but adherence rates are often low. This study identifies predictors of parent self-monitoring rates during treatment.

Methods: A secondary analysis of parent self-monitoring data from a randomized controlled trial involving 150 parent-child dyads. Patterns of self-monitoring were identified using a latent class mixed model approach. Logistic regression analyses evaluated predictors of self-monitoring patterns.

Results: Latent class models identified two trajectory groups: a high consistent self-monitoring group and a low-decreasing self-monitoring group. When compared to parents in the low group, parents in the high group lost more weight throughout treatment. Children in the high group had a similar trajectory for weight loss; however, the groups were not statistically different. Higher levels of family chaos and poorer family problem-solving skills were associated with higher odds of being in the low group.

Conclusion: This study identified two patterns of rates of parent self-monitoring, which were associated with parent weight loss and were differentiated by family chaos and poor problem-solving. These findings suggest that families with high levels of chaos and poor problem-solving could benefit from early intervention to improve outcomes in pediatric obesity treatment programs.

Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01197443.