Efficacy Trial Healthy Dads, Healthy Kids for Hispanic Fathers and Children

Group based lifestyle behavioral intervention for weight loss for fathers and increased physical activity for their child. The program meets weekly 90-minute sessions over 10 weeks. Mothers/partners are invited to one session (Week 4). Each meeting consisted of a brief review session with Dads and Kids together (15 minutes), separate break-out discussion for Dads (Dad's Club) and Kids (Kid's Club) (30 minutes); and a joint physical activity component for Dads and Kids (Sports Club) (45 minutes). Each week covers different topics for fathers and a corresponding session for kids. The program encourages fathers to be healthy, positive role models for their children, and teaching fathers weight loss strategies, authoritative parenting strategies and to encourage healthy behaviors in their kids. Fathers and kids are encouraged to eat healthy, reduce their screen time and be more active. If the COVID pandemic prevents in-person meetings, the program will be delivered virtually.

Families will receive handouts on healthy eating, physical activity and screen media use to promote healthy weight status. Fathers will attend one group session with a focus on dietary changes and increased physical activity to promote healthy weight loss.