Whole Foods Diet for Childhood Obesity
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores how an 8-week whole foods diet affects body fat and weight in adolescents with obesity. Researchers are testing whether a diet focused on whole foods like fruits and vegetables can lower fat mass and improve overall diet quality for both adolescents and their parents. The study involves two groups: one follows a whole foods diet plan with support and groceries provided (the Whole Foods MyPlate Group), and the other follows standard dietary guidelines. Adolescents living with obesity (BMI at or above the 95th percentile) and their parents with certain metabolic risks are encouraged to participate, provided they live near Middle Tennessee and are willing to meet the study requirements. As an unphased trial, this study offers families a unique opportunity to contribute to important research on diet and health.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but it excludes adolescents using medications that cause weight loss or diabetes medications.
What prior data suggests that this whole foods diet intervention is safe for adolescents with obesity?
Research shows that a whole foods diet, like the one tested in this study, is generally easy for people to follow. Studies have found that adhering to a MyPlate plan, which includes fruits, vegetables, proteins, dairy, and whole grains, usually doesn't cause significant side effects. Health experts already recommend this type of diet for managing weight and improving overall health.
Since this study is in the "Not Applicable" phase, the focus is on understanding the diet's effects and safety. Researchers are still closely examining its safety in people, but similar diets have been safely used in other situations. Overall, the diet is expected to be safe, with no major problems reported in past studies.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the Whole Foods MyPlate treatment for childhood obesity because it emphasizes a diet rich in whole foods, tailored to individual caloric needs with personalized meal plans. Unlike traditional approaches that may not provide structured food guidance, this treatment offers rotating menus and bi-weekly grocery deliveries of fruits and vegetables directly to participants' homes, enhancing adherence and accessibility. This hands-on strategy, combined with regular dietary counseling, aims to make healthy eating more practical and sustainable for families, potentially leading to more effective long-term weight management for adolescents.
What evidence suggests that a whole foods diet is effective for childhood obesity?
Research has shown that planned dietary changes can help reduce body fat in teenagers with obesity. This trial will compare two approaches: the Whole Foods MyPlate Group and the Whole Foods Counseling Group. Participants in the Whole Foods MyPlate Group will receive a MyPlate Plan with rotating menus and bi-weekly groceries, primarily fruits and vegetables, to support adherence to a whole foods diet. Meanwhile, the Whole Foods Counseling Group will follow a conventional Dietary Guidelines for Americans diet, with guidance and support from study personnel. Studies have found that eating mostly whole foods, like fruits and vegetables, can improve diet quality and lead to better health. For example, children who help with cooking and possess good cooking skills are more likely to eat healthier. This approach emphasizes eating more nutritious foods, which may help lower body fat and improve BMI (Body Mass Index) scores. Overall, a whole foods diet may support weight loss and better health for teenagers dealing with obesity.12678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Nadia M Sneed, PhD, MSN
Principal Investigator
Vanderbilt University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for teens with obesity. It's an 8-week study testing if a whole foods diet can reduce body fat and improve measurements like weight, BMI-z scores, and waist size. Teens participating will be compared to a control group not following this diet.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive a whole foods diet intervention with bi-weekly food delivery and dietetic support for 8 weeks
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in body composition and diet quality after the intervention
Post-intervention focus groups
Conduct family focus groups to identify barriers and facilitators of diet adherence
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Whole Foods MyPlate Group
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Vanderbilt University
Lead Sponsor
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Collaborator