Sip & Snack Better for Healthy Eating

Overseen By Gina Tripicchio, PhD, MSEd

Age: < 18

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Temple University

Disqualifiers: Diabetes, Autism, Eating disorders, Depression, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

Duration: 12 weeks

70 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

The trial aims to help teens reduce sugar intake through a 12-week program called the Sip & Snack Better (SSB) Intervention, which includes health coaching and technology-based support. Researchers seek to determine if this approach is more effective and easier to follow than just receiving digital nutrition tips. The trial also tests a new method for measuring sugar intake using a special marker in the body. Teens living in the Philadelphia area who consume more than the recommended daily amount of sugar and have a cell phone for receiving texts and surveys may be suitable candidates. As an unphased trial, participants contribute to innovative research that could lead to healthier lifestyle strategies for teens.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you have a medical condition that affects weight or sugar intake, you may not be eligible to participate.

What prior data suggests that the Sip & Snack Better interventions are safe for teens?

Research has shown that programs like the Sip & Snack Better (SSB) plan, which aim to reduce sugar consumption, are generally safe. Studies have found that similar programs in schools and communities successfully lower sugar intake without causing major issues. As a result, programs like SSB are usually well-received.

While specific side effects of the SSB program haven't been widely noted, similar health coaching programs focusing on diet and lifestyle changes are considered safe. Since this trial doesn't involve testing a new drug or medical device, the risk of harmful side effects is low. Participants might notice changes in their eating habits, but these changes are generally positive steps toward better health. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Sip & Snack Better (SSB) Intervention because it combines health coaching with technology to enhance dietary habits, offering a personalized approach to nutrition. Unlike standard nutrition programs that primarily focus on education, this intervention emphasizes behavioral change through personalized coaching, making it more interactive and tailored to individual needs. Additionally, the technology-only comparison arm of the study provides insights into the impact of digital education alone, which is crucial in understanding the role of tech in modern dietary interventions. This dual approach helps identify the most effective methods for promoting healthy eating habits.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective in reducing added sugar in teens?

Research has shown that programs targeting behavior change can help teens reduce sugar intake. For example, one study found that a school program reduced the number of sugary drinks students consumed daily from 2.32 to 1.32 servings. Another program, Kids SIPsmartER, helped students drink 11 ounces less of sugary drinks each day. In this trial, the Sip & Snack Better (SSB) program, which employs health coaching to promote healthier eating, will be tested in one arm. This program uses personalized coaching and technology to encourage better food choices. Meanwhile, the Technology-Only Comparison arm will deliver nutrition education digitally without health coaching. These approaches aim to help teens lower their sugar intake. ^{1 2 5 6 7}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

The SSB Study is for teenagers who consume high amounts of added sugar and may be at risk for obesity or poor diet quality. Participants should be willing to engage in a health coaching program or use technology aimed at improving their eating habits.

Inclusion Criteria

I am over 18 and the legal guardian of the teenager.

I am a teenager with a cell phone and agree to use it for texts and surveys.

Parents and adolescents live in the Philadelphia region and can attend in-person visits at the research center in North Philadelphia

Exclusion Criteria

Adolescent has a medical condition that influences weight status or added sugar intake (e.g., Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes)

Adolescent has dietary restrictions, dietary prescriptions, or dietary goals given by a health care provider that would influence weight or added sugar intake

I have a condition like autism that needs special support to join a study.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants undergo a 12-week health coaching program or a technology-only intervention to reduce added sugar intake

12 weeks

Multiple visits for sample collection at baseline, weeks 3, 6, 9, and 12

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in added sugar intake and diet quality using CIR and HEI measures

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Sip & Snack Better (SSB) Intervention
• Sip & Snack Better (SSB) Tech-Only Comparison

Trial Overview This study tests a 12-week 'Sip & Snack Better' health coaching program against a tech-only approach to see which better reduces teens' added sugar intake. It also evaluates the carbon isotope ratio as an objective measure of sugar consumption.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Technology-Only Comparison Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Digitally-delivered nutrition education only comparison arm

Group II: Health Coaching Behavioral Intervention Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Behavioral intervention using health coaching and technology to improve dietary intake

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Temple University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

321

Recruited

89,100+

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)

Collaborator

Trials

3,987

Recruited

47,860,000+

Citations

1. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-feeding-behavior-5-2025-39c84

Sip & Snack Better for Healthy Eating This study aims to test how feasible, acceptable, and effective a 12-week contextually-tailored health coaching program, called Sip \& Snack Better (SSB), is in ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7746974/

A systematic review and meta‐analysis - PMC - PubMed Central This review and meta‐analysis evaluated the effectiveness of behavioural interventions aiming to reduce SSB intake in socioeconomically disadvantaged ethnic ...

3. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1326020023003801

A trial of a six‐month sugar‐sweetened beverage ... This study assessed the effectiveness of a school‐based intervention in reducing adolescents' sugar‐sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption and percentage of ...

4. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/259824168_Piloting_Sodabriety_A_School-Based_Intervention_to_Impact_Sugar-Sweetened_Beverage_Consumption_in_Rural_Appalachian_High_Schools

A School-Based Intervention to Impact Sugar-Sweetened ... Daily SSB servings decreased from an average of 2.32 (SD = 2.14) to 1.32 (SD = 1.29) (p < .001). Weekly consumption decreased from an average of ...

5. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5993639/

Kids SIPsmartER: A Feasibility Study to Reduce Sugar ... During the first intervention period, students receiving Kids SIPsmartER (n = 43) significantly reduced SSBs by 11 ounces/day (P = .01) and improved media (P < ...

6. onlinelibrary.wiley.com onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/wmh3.524

Community‐based interventions to reduce sugar intake in ... Based on the results of low risk of bias studies, interventions performed in schools, household, and community were effective in reducing sugar intake.

7. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9991719/

a qualitative study to explore the factors influencing ... This study identified four themes to address the multifaceted factors that influence adolescents' consumption of SSB and sugary snacks.