Promoting Adolescent Cardio-Metabolic Health Through a Psychological Need-Supportive Online Lifestyle Intervention

Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the preliminary efficacy of a 12-week self-determination theory-centered online lifestyle intervention for Hispanic adolescents with obesity, including considerations for the intervention’s feasibility. Method Nineteen adolescents (intervention = 11; control = 8) participated in this quasi-experimental study. The intervention consisted of two 60-minute moderate-to-vigorous exercise sessions and one 30-minute nutrition lesson delivered via Zoom each week for 12 weeks to examine changes in body mass index (BMI), health-related fitness indicators, physical activity levels, and motivational regulations. Program fidelity was assessed through session heart rate, perceived exertion, and perceived need-support measures. Moreover, interviews with adolescents and parents were thematically analyzed to inform intervention feasibility. Result The study showed statistically significant intervention efficacy in BMI ( F [1, 16] = 8.14, p  = .012), abdominal muscular endurance and strength ( F [1, 16] = 14.13, p  = .002), and physical activity level ( F [1, 16] = 9.345, p  = .008). Fidelity measures confirmed exercise adherence, showing that participants maintained moderate-to-vigorous intensity and consistently reported high levels of perceived need-support. Qualitative findings further supported these results and emphasized practical strategies for recruitment and dissemination efforts. Conclusion The findings emphasize this online lifestyle intervention’s potential to promote cardio-metabolic health in adolescents and offer direction for future implementation and dissemination.