Effectiveness of Tailored Multichannel Interventions on Weight Loss Among Adolescents: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Overweight and obesity and their related consequences are largely preventable and manageable. However, overweight is one of the most common health problems in the world. World Health Organization (WHO) reported that 12.5 % of people worldwide are overweight according to a survey of the global burden of diseases conducted in 2022. Furthermore, worldwide adult obesity has more than doubled since 1990, and adolescent obesity has quadrupled. WHO, 2024 reported that 390 million children and adolescents aged 5-19 years were overweight including 160 million who were living with obesity. Overweight and obesity are significantly correlated with an increased risk of several health disorders, such as cardiovascular disease, psychological disturbance, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, and premature death. Obesity also imposes enormous financial burdens on governments and individuals. Adolescence obesity is of particular concern as it has increased globally, and it could have adverse health impacts in adulthood. Overall, the global prevalence of adolescent obesity is a growing public health concern, with significant physical and psychological consequences. Adolescence is a critical period where dietary habits and lifestyle behaviors are shaped, making it an ideal time for interventions aimed at promoting healthy weight management. Several preventive and treatment interventions have been conducted to enhance weight control among adolescents in different countries. However, the effectiveness of past interventions has shown inconsistent outcomes. Compliance with weight-loss treatments varies for a range of reasons, mainly related to the design and delivery of the interventions. Systematic reviews reveal debate regarding how best to motivate adolescents to manage their ideal body weight. Empirical evidence shows that tailored interventions are often considered more effective than standardized interventions for reducing overweight among adolescents. Tailored interventions account for individual differences in lifestyle, preferences, perceptions about health and obesity, and self-efficacy. Previous studies have shown that these factors play important roles in the success of weight loss and maintenance programs. While standardized interventions can provide a solid foundation, tailoring strategies to individual needs often leads to more sustainable behavior changes and better health outcomes. Tailored interventions consider each adolescent's unique motivations, preferences, and challenges. This personalization can lead to greater engagement and adherence. The literature suggests that interventions delivered through multiple channels-such as social media, face-to-face interactions, and telephone calls-are often more effective in addressing overweight and obesity among adolescents. Adolescents are highly engaged with digital platforms like social media, making it a natural channel of communication and providing daily reminders or motivation. Incorporating face-to-face interactions builds a personal connection and offers in-depth discussions, while telephone calls provide a direct and accessible line of communication.