Researchers tested a new online program called JOIN for ME designed to help kids ages 6-12 who are overweight. The program worked with families from low-income communities in Rhode Island. Kids and their parents learned about healthy eating and exercise through remote sessions over 10 months. The study found that children who completed the program had modest but meaningful decreases in their weight, and families improved their healthy eating and activity habits. The program was successfully delivered online, making it accessible to families who might have trouble getting to in-person appointments.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Can an online weight management program help kids from low-income families lose weight and develop healthier eating and exercise habits?
  • Who participated: 111 children ages 6-12 years old who were overweight, plus their parents or caregivers. Families were recruited from health centers and community programs serving low-income areas in Rhode Island.
  • Key finding: Children in the program showed a median decrease of about 2.9% in their BMI (a measure of weight relative to height) over 10 months. Families also significantly improved their healthy eating and physical activity habits compared to families who waited to start the program.
  • What it means for you: If your child is overweight and you have limited access to in-person programs, this online approach may help. However, results were modest, and success depended on attending sessions regularly and having access to adequate food. This program works best as part of a broader approach to health, not as a standalone solution.

The Research Details

Researchers recruited 111 families with overweight children from health centers serving low-income communities. Half the families started the JOIN for ME program right away, while the other half waited 4 months before starting (this is called a delayed control group). The program was delivered entirely online over 10 months, with families participating in sessions remotely. Researchers measured children’s weight, family eating and activity habits, and how the program affected children’s quality of life at the beginning, after 4 months, and at the end of the 10-month program.

The study design is important because it allows researchers to compare families who received the program immediately with families who hadn’t started yet, helping them understand if the program itself caused the improvements rather than other factors. By delivering everything online, the researchers could reach families who might struggle to attend in-person appointments due to work schedules, transportation, or other barriers common in low-income communities.

Researchers also tracked how many sessions families attended and whether they completed the program as designed. They asked families about their experience to understand what worked well and what could be improved for future use.

Many evidence-based weight management programs exist, but they’re often only available in person at hospitals or clinics, making them hard for low-income families to access. This study tested whether an effective program could work online, removing barriers like transportation and scheduling conflicts. Understanding what works in real-world community settings is crucial because research done in perfect laboratory conditions doesn’t always translate to helping actual families.

This study has several strengths: it tested the program in a real community setting with families who actually need help, it used a comparison group to show the program made a difference, and it measured multiple important outcomes (weight, eating habits, activity levels, and quality of life). However, the study had some limitations: the sample size was relatively small (111 families), and the study didn’t include a true control group that received no intervention. The modest weight loss results suggest the program helps, but it’s not a dramatic transformation. The researchers were transparent about measuring program attendance and food security, which are realistic factors affecting success.

What the Results Show

After 4 months, families who started the program immediately showed significantly better improvements in healthy eating and physical activity habits compared to families waiting to start. This suggests the program successfully teaches families about nutrition and exercise.

Over the full 10 months, children who completed the program showed meaningful decreases in their weight measurements. On average, children’s BMI decreased by about 2.9%, and their BMI percentile (comparing them to other children their age) decreased by about 3.89%. These numbers might sound small, but in medical terms, they represent clinically meaningful improvements that reduce health risks.

Two factors predicted which children benefited most: families who attended more sessions saw better results, and families with better food security (reliable access to enough food) had greater weight improvements. This makes sense because attending sessions means more learning and practice, and having adequate food access removes a major barrier to healthy eating.

The program was successfully delivered online with good attendance rates, showing that remote delivery is feasible for this type of intervention in low-income communities.

The study measured children’s weight-related quality of life (how their weight affected their daily activities and feelings), though detailed results on this measure weren’t emphasized in the findings. The researchers also assessed program acceptability, finding that families found the program acceptable and useful, which is important for whether families will stick with it and whether it can be widely adopted.

This study builds on previous research showing that intensive family-based programs combining nutrition and activity education can help children lose weight. The JOIN for ME program was adapted from an existing evidence-based program, so researchers expected it would work. This study confirms that the adapted online version produces similar modest weight loss results to in-person programs, which is important because it shows online delivery doesn’t reduce effectiveness. The modest weight loss (about 3%) is consistent with other family-based childhood obesity programs, suggesting this is a realistic expectation rather than a limitation.

The study didn’t include a group that received no intervention at all, only a delayed-start group, so we can’t be completely certain the program caused the improvements rather than other factors. The sample size of 111 families is relatively small, which limits how much we can generalize to all low-income communities. The study only followed families for 10 months, so we don’t know if weight loss was maintained long-term. The study was conducted in Rhode Island with specific community settings, so results might differ in other regions or communities. Finally, families who chose to participate might be more motivated than families who didn’t, which could make results look better than they would be if everyone participated.

The Bottom Line

If your child is overweight and you have limited access to in-person weight management programs, the JOIN for ME online program appears to be a reasonable option worth trying. Moderate confidence: The program showed modest but real improvements in weight and healthy habits. Success depends heavily on regular session attendance and having adequate food access, so families should commit to attending sessions and address food security issues. This program works best combined with other health improvements and shouldn’t be viewed as a quick fix.

This program is designed for children ages 6-12 who are overweight and their families, particularly those in low-income communities with limited access to in-person programs. It’s especially relevant for families who struggle with transportation, work schedules, or childcare that makes attending in-person appointments difficult. Families should have reliable internet access to participate. This program may be less suitable for families with severe food insecurity without additional support services, as food access was a key factor in success.

Based on this study, families should expect to see improvements in eating and activity habits within the first 4 months. Weight changes typically appear gradually over several months, with the study showing meaningful results after 10 months. However, weight loss is usually modest (around 3%), so families shouldn’t expect dramatic changes. Realistic expectations are important for staying motivated and committed to the program.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track weekly session attendance and log one healthy eating or physical activity change per week. Measure child’s weight monthly (rather than daily, which can be discouraging) and track family meals eaten together and minutes of physical activity as a family.
  • Use the app to set one specific family goal each week, such as ’eat dinner together 4 times this week’ or ’take a 20-minute family walk 3 times.’ The app can send reminders for scheduled program sessions and provide simple healthy recipes or activity ideas that families can try together.
  • Create a long-term tracking dashboard showing monthly weight trends (not daily fluctuations), weekly attendance streaks, and family habit improvements. Include celebration milestones for consistent attendance and behavior changes, not just weight loss, since the program showed that habits improve before weight changes significantly.

This research describes results from a specific study of the JOIN for ME program in Rhode Island and should not be considered medical advice. Weight management in children is complex and individual. Before starting any weight loss program, consult with your child’s doctor or a registered dietitian to ensure it’s appropriate for your child’s specific health needs. This program showed modest weight improvements and is most effective when combined with medical supervision and addressing underlying factors like food security. Results may vary based on individual circumstances, family commitment, and other health factors. If your child has underlying health conditions, takes medications, or has other health concerns, medical guidance is essential.