Childhood overweight and obesity prevalence has risen dramatically in the past decades, and family-based interventions may be an effective method to improve children’s eating behaviors. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of three different family-based interventions: group-based, individual-based, or by website approach. Parents and school aged overweight or obese children, 8–12 years of age, were eligible for the study. A total of 115 children were randomly allocated in one of the three interventions, and 91 completed the study (79% compliance); Group 1 (n = 36) received group-based interventions by various experts; Group 2 (n = 30) had interpersonal family meetings with a dietitian; and Group 3 (n = 25) received training through a specifically developed website. Anthropometric, dietary, physical activity, and screen time outcomes were measured at baseline and at the end of the study. Within-group comparisons indicated significant improvement in body weight, body mass index (BMI)-z-score, physical activity, and screen time from baseline in all three study groups (p < 0.05). Furthermore, total body fat percentage (%TBF) was also decreased in Groups 2 and 3. Between-group differences varied with body weight and %TBF change, being larger in Group 3 compared to Groups 1 and 2, in contrast to BMI-z-score, screen time, and health behaviors, which were significantly larger in Group 2 than the other two groups. In conclusion, personalized family-based interventions are recommended to successfully improve children’s lifestyle and body weight status.

Background Many studies derive dietary information from child self-reported Food Frequency Questionnaires (FFQs). This may be subjected to misreporting, especially among overweight and obese children. Aim The aim of this study was to examine the validity of data acquired from child-reported dietary intake using a semiquantitative FFQ developed for assessing dietary habits of overweight and obese children in Greece, using parental 3-day food records of child intakes. Methods Validation analysis was based on 106 (from total 115) children (41% boys and 59% girls). Children were asked to report the frequency of their dietary intake, using the FFQ provided. Parents were asked to keep a 3-day food record for their children’s intake. Correlations and significance between methods were assessed via Spearman correlation coefficient and Wilcoxon nonparametric pairwise comparisons, respectively. Agreement between the FFQ and the 3-day record was performed using Bland-Altman method. Results Significant correlations, ranging from 0.32 to 1 (all P < .05), were observed between food consumption reported in the FFQ and recorded in the 3-day dietary record. High correlation was found for fruits (ρ = 0.988), vegetables (ρ = 0.985), dairy (ρ = 0.702), meat (ρ = 0.958), fish (ρ = 0.841), starchy foods (ρ = 0.793), sweets (ρ = 1), and beverages (ρ = 0.978). Medium correlation was observed only between the consumption of legumes (ρ = 0.329). No significant differences were found between reported FFQ and 3-day dietary record for most food groups and beverages examined. Mean intake agreement was ranged from 90.6% to 98.1% (Bland-Altman). Conclusions The FFQ used appears to be a valid tool for investigating dietary intake of food among overweight and obese children.