Researchers in the UK created a new program called AIM2Change to help teenagers with weight-related health problems feel more motivated to make changes. Instead of telling teens what to do, the program uses a method called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy that helps them discover their own reasons for wanting to be healthier. Nine teenagers helped design the seven-session program by giving feedback after each session. The teens said the program was helpful and addressed things that weren’t being covered by other weight management services. This suggests the new approach might be more effective because it respects what teenagers actually want and need.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a new therapy-based program could help teenagers develop their own motivation to manage their weight, rather than being forced or pressured by adults.
  • Who participated: Nine teenagers (ages 13-17, mostly girls) from a weight management clinic in Bristol, England who had health problems related to their weight. Four teens brought a parent to sessions.
  • Key finding: Teenagers who helped design the program found it helpful and relevant to their lives. They said it was better than typical weight management programs because it focused on their feelings about eating and their bodies, and included practical activities they could actually use.
  • What it means for you: If you’re a teenager struggling with weight, a program that asks what YOU want rather than just telling you what to do might work better. However, this is still early research—more testing is needed before we know if it truly helps people lose weight or keep it off long-term.

The Research Details

This study was a ‘co-development’ project, which means the researchers didn’t just test a program on teenagers—they actually had teenagers help create it. Nine teenagers attended seven one-on-one sessions delivered online where they learned techniques from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). ACT is a type of therapy that helps people accept difficult feelings while still working toward goals that matter to them.

After each session, the teenagers answered questions about what worked and what didn’t. The researchers used this feedback to change the program before the next session. This back-and-forth process continued throughout the study, making the program better based on real teenager input.

The researchers also analyzed all the feedback using a method called thematic analysis, which means they looked for common themes in what the teenagers said. They organized this information into charts to see which ideas were most important and how they connected to different parts of the program.

Most weight management programs are designed by adults and doctors, then given to teenagers to follow. This study is important because it asks teenagers what they actually need and want. When young people help design something, they’re more likely to use it and benefit from it. This approach also respects teenagers as experts in their own lives, which can help them feel more motivated to make changes.

This study has some strengths: it involved real teenagers from a real clinic, the researchers made changes based on actual feedback, and they carefully analyzed what the teens said. However, this was a small group (only 9 teenagers), so we can’t be sure the results would work the same way for all teenagers. Also, this study only tested whether the program was acceptable and helpful—it didn’t measure whether teens actually lost weight or kept it off. More research with larger groups is needed to confirm these findings.

What the Results Show

The teenagers who helped design AIM2Change said the program addressed important topics that other weight management services weren’t covering. Specifically, they wanted more focus on eating behaviors and how they felt about their bodies—not just the numbers on a scale.

Based on teen feedback, the researchers made several important changes. They moved discussions about eating and body image earlier in the program because teens said these topics were most important to them. They also added more practical activities and exercises that teens could actually do in their daily lives, rather than just talking about theory.

The teenagers reported that the program helped them understand themselves better and gave them tools they could use. They appreciated that the program didn’t judge them or make them feel bad about their weight. Instead, it helped them think about what they actually wanted in their lives and how managing their weight could help them reach those goals.

Four main themes came out of the teen feedback: understanding how the therapy works, how the sessions were delivered and received, what they thought about the specific strategies taught, and real benefits they noticed from being part of creating the program.

The teenagers also mentioned that being part of the co-development process itself was beneficial. They felt heard and respected, which made them more engaged with the program. Some teens said they appreciated learning about Acceptance and Commitment Therapy because it gave them a new way to think about their feelings and challenges. The online format worked well for most participants, making it easier to attend sessions.

Current weight management programs for teenagers often focus mainly on diet and exercise, sometimes making teens feel blamed or ashamed. AIM2Change is different because it’s based on helping teens understand their own values and motivations. This approach aligns with newer research showing that intrinsic motivation (wanting to change for yourself) works better than external pressure (being told you have to change). By involving teenagers in the design process, this study also follows a growing trend in healthcare of including patients in creating treatments that work for them.

The study only included nine teenagers, so we can’t be sure these results would apply to all teenagers with weight concerns. The group was also mostly girls, so we don’t know if boys would respond the same way. The study didn’t measure actual weight loss or long-term health improvements—it only looked at whether teens found the program acceptable and helpful. We also don’t know how the program would work for teenagers from different backgrounds or with different types of weight-related health problems. Finally, because the teenagers knew they were helping design the program, they might have been more positive about it than they would be if they were just trying it out.

The Bottom Line

If you’re a teenager with weight-related health concerns, ask your doctor about programs that focus on your own motivation and values rather than just telling you what to eat. Look for approaches that address how you feel about your body and eating, not just the numbers. (Confidence: Moderate—this is promising but needs more testing.) If you’re a parent or healthcare provider, consider programs that involve young people in the design process, as they may be more effective and acceptable.

This research is most relevant for teenagers ages 13-18 who have health problems related to their weight and want to make changes. It’s also important for parents, doctors, and healthcare programs that work with young people. Healthcare systems looking to improve their weight management services should pay attention to this approach. However, if you’re a teenager who isn’t ready to make changes or doesn’t want help, this program isn’t for you right now.

Based on this study, teenagers noticed benefits during the seven-session program (which likely took several weeks). However, we don’t know yet how long these benefits last after the program ends. You might expect to feel more motivated and have better tools within a few weeks, but seeing changes in weight or health markers could take months. Long-term follow-up studies are needed to see if these benefits stick around.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track your personal values and motivations weekly: Write down one reason you want to manage your weight that’s important to YOU (not what parents or doctors say). Rate how much this reason matters to you on a scale of 1-10. Over time, watch how your personal reasons grow stronger.
  • Use the app to practice one ACT technique daily: Notice one difficult feeling about eating or your body without trying to fight it or feel bad about it. Write down what you noticed and what you did instead. This builds the skill of accepting feelings while still making choices that match your values.
  • Set a weekly check-in: Every week, review your values from the tracking suggestion and your ACT practice from the behavior change. Ask yourself: ‘Did I move closer to my goals this week?’ and ‘What’s one thing I did well?’ This long-term approach focuses on progress toward YOUR goals, not just weight numbers.

This research describes the development of a new program and whether teenagers found it helpful and acceptable. It does not prove that the program helps teenagers lose weight or improve their health. This study involved a small group of teenagers in the UK, so results may not apply to all teenagers everywhere. If you’re a teenager concerned about your weight or health, talk to your doctor or a healthcare provider before starting any new program. This information is educational and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals about weight management and health concerns.