Talking to kids about weight: 6,600 children test coaching approach to fight obesity
NCT ID NCT05143697
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether motivational interviewing—a counseling style that helps people find their own motivation to change—can reduce obesity in children aged 2 to 8. About 6,600 children with a BMI at or above the 85th percentile will take part across 49 clinics. Half the clinics will offer the coaching program, while the other half provide usual care. Researchers will measure BMI changes after two years.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- motivational interviewing counseling
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could provide a practical, low-cost way for doctors' offices to help young children lower their BMI and reduce obesity rates.
- What could go wrong
- This is a behavioral intervention, not a drug or procedure, so results may vary widely. The trial is still recruiting, and success depends on families attending multiple sessions.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 6,600 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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May 2022
- Expected to finish
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Jun 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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2 to 8 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
24 Eligible Intervention Clinics will provide motivational interview counseling and referrals to Wellness Coaching. Inclusion criteria: * Children age 2-8 years * Body mass index in the 85 percentile or higher Exclusion criteria: • Families that don't speak English or Spanish as a primary language
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Kaiser Permanente Pasadena
RECRUITINGPasadena, California, 91101, United States
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