Table 3 Cognitive-behavioural program (with discussion group) for children and adolescents (< 18 years)

Jones et al. [28]

Open trial

n = 336 (n = 225 “Healthy Habits” track; n = 111 “Weight Management” track)

Staying Fit: 12 online sessions (30 min each) with discussion board promoting healthy weight regulation and improved weight/shape concerns. Users directed to 1 of 2 tracks-Healthy Habits (< 85th percentile for BMI) or Weight Management (> 85th percentile for BMI). Core content adapted from Student Bodies-BED

Primary: height and weight for BMI

Secondary: WCS, YRBS, CES-D, feasibility, acceptability

BMI percentile and zBMI (standardized BMI) significantly decreased among students in the Weight Management track (from baseline to post-intervention); BMI percentile and zBMI did not significantly change among those in the Healthy Habits track (maintained weight). Weight/shape concerns significantly decreased among participants in both tracks who had elevated weight/shape concerns as baseline. Students and teachers reported satisfaction with program content and implementation

Jones et al. [30]

RCT

 > 85th percentile for age-adjusted BMI

n = 44 SB2-BED

n = 43 waitlist control

SB2-BED: 16-week online program with CBT principles from a self-help manual for BED; combines psychoeducation and behavioural exercises with monitored asynchronous discussion group

BMI, binge eating behaviour (bingeing, overeating, etc. measured with a semi-structured diagnostic interview)

Compared to controls, SB2-BED had significantly lower BMI from baseline to 9-month follow-up. Significant reductions in objective and subjective binge episodes, as well as weight and shape concerns from baseline to post-treatment and baseline to 9-month follow-up were observed among the SB2-BED group

Doyle et al. [29]

RCT

n = 40 SB2

n = 40 usual care

SB2: 16-weeks using cognitive-behavioural approach with moderated asynchronous discussion group to help overweight adolescents lose weight/improve body image. Asked to spend 1–2 h/week (max. 30 min a day) on program

Usual care: received handouts containing basic information on nutrition and physical activity

BMI z-scores, EDE-Q, frequency of adolescent behavioural and cognitive skills use (e.g. self-monitoring, problem solving, seeking social support) related to eating and physical activity over past 4 months were assessed via a questionnaire, satisfaction with program

Compared to usual care, SB2 group produced a significant reduction in BMI z-scores from baseline to post intervention; SB2 group maintained reduction at 4-month follow-up, but significant differences were not observed (usual care group improved too). ED attitudes and behaviours were not significantly improved in either group at post-intervention or follow-up. SB2 group reported using healthy eating-related and physical activity-related skills more frequently vs. usual care at post-intervention and follow-up. 79% of users were satisfied with SB2; 63.2% satisfied with discussion group but 22.5% wanted more interaction

Abascal et al. [31]

RCT

General subset of sophomore students (high school) in physical education class

n = 22 HRHM

n = 11 HRHM-combined

n = 12 other-combined

n = 30 other

SB: typically, 8-weeks/sessions, but accelerated 6-week version cognitive-behavioural program with asynchronous moderated discussion group, journals, psychoeducation. Users logged in 1 day a week for 45 min; randomized to either (1) HRHM, (2) lower risk or lower motivated group, or (3) combined group. Other = lower and higher combinations (risk and motivation)

EDE-Q (eating concerns, restraint, shape concerns, weight concerns subscales), EDI, MSPSS, OSSS, WCS, motivation questionnaire, discussion group experience

HRHM group improved significantly on the EDE-Q shape concerns and weight concerns subscales from pre- to post-intervention. HRHM made significantly lower (1%) negative comments vs. HRHM-combined group (6%) in discussion groups; positive comments were also significantly higher in HRHM only group. HRHM-combined significantly improved on EDI-restraint, EDE-Q shape concerns, EDI-drive for thinness. Other-only group only significantly improved on EDE-Q shape concerns. No differences among groups on outcome measures