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NCT Number: NCT06964880

Effectiveness of a Peer Support Media Model on Obesity and Sarcopenia Awareness in At-Risk College Students

Sarcopenic obesity refers to a condition characterized by high body fat percentage and insufficient muscle mass, posing significant risks to physical and mental health. This issue is not limited to the elderly; it is increasingly common among younger populations as well. According to the National Nutrition and Health Survey conducted between 2017 and 2020, high rates of eating out due to study and work lifestyles in Taiwan result in limited access to nutritious food. The Ministry of Health and Welfare's statistics from 2021 show that only 33.9% of the population engages in regular exercise. Sarcopenic obesity is associated with physical activity and nutritional intake. The European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People has urged the public to maintain a balanced diet and establish exercise habits early to reduce the risk of sarcopenic obesity. Younger individuals are more likely to increase muscle mass with interventions in exercise and nutrition compared to older adults, making college students a key demographic for fostering healthy behaviors. Therefore, it is essential to address how to enhance their health awareness and behaviors.

Based on this, the present study aims to explore the impact of a multimedia intervention combined with a peer support model on the awareness and behaviors of college students at risk of being overweight. The research methodology involves a randomized controlled trial, participants from a medical university in central Taiwan. Body composition will be measured first, and eligible participants will be randomly assigned to either an experimental group or a control group, followed by a 12-week intervention and subsequent post-test. The study will analyze the effects of multimedia combined with peer support on the awareness and behaviors of at-risk college students, as well as assess muscle mass changes through grip strength measurements. The goal is to enhance college students' awareness of their health behaviors, improve their dietary and exercise habits, fill knowledge and application gaps, and provide an evidence-based foundation for future strategies to promote healthy behaviors among young populations.

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Key information

Conditions

Exercise Adherence Behavior Motor Activity

Age range

18 year–25 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

About this study

This randomized controlled trial (RCT) will recruit students from a university in central Taiwan, randomly assigning them to either an intervention or a control group.

Intervention Participants will first complete body composition assessments and questionnaires. Eligible students will be randomly assigned to the intervention or control group.

Intervention group:12-week program including weekly educational videos on exercise and nutrition.Biweekly group exercises (elastic band and aerobic).Peer support groups (5 per group) for weekly discussions and exercise tracking.

Control group:Receives weekly paper-based health education materials on exercise and diet.

Video Content Includes:

Sarcopenic Obesity Awareness: Definitions, risks, health effects, and prevention strategies.Exercise Guidance: Filmed with exercise science faculty, includes warm-up (5 min), resistance/aerobic training (20 min), and cool-down (5 min).

Nutrition Education: Based on HPA guidelines and reviewed by dietetics faculty, covering protein, vegetables, fruits, and easy dietary tips.

Data Analysis Using SPSS 25.0.Descriptive statistics and inferential analyses will be conducted.Chi-square tests (categorical data) and independent t-tests (continuous variables) will compare baseline group differences.Paired t-tests will assess within-group pre-post changes.Independent t-tests will evaluate between-group post-intervention differences.Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) will examine time-by-group interaction effects.Statistical significance set at α < 0.05.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Undergraduate students in years 1 to 4 at a medical university in central Taiwan
  • Body Mass Index (BMI) between 23 and 27 or body fat percentage between 25% and 35%
  • Aged 18 to 25 years
  • No diagnosis of any chronic disease

Exclusion criteria

  • University students with restricted limb movement who are unable to exercise according to instructions.
  • Any condition that may restrict the proper use of a dynamometer (e.g., hand pain, osteoarthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis).

Treatment and study plan

Exercise with video on media platform

Behavioral

12-week structured video-guided exercise and peer support program

Printed Educational Handout

Behavioral

12-week printed health education handout program

Primary outcomes

  1. Body Mass Index (BMI)

    Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks

    BMI will be calculated as weight (kg) divided by height in meters squared (m²). Measurements will be taken using the InBody 270S body composition analyzer.

    Unit of Measure: kg/m²

  2. Body Fat Percentage Body fat mass

    Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks

    Body Fat Percentage Body fat mass will be assessed using the InBody 270S. Percentage is calculated as (fat mass ÷ body weight (kg)) × 100%.

    Unit of Measure: %

  3. Physical Activity Level (IPAQ-SF)

    Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks

    Assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Short Form (IPAQ-SF). Results expressed in MET-minutes/week. Higher scores indicate greater physical activity and better outcome.

    Unit of Measure: MET-min/week

  4. Hand Grip Strength

    Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks

    Hand grip strength measured using Jamar handheld dynamometer. Each hand is tested three times; average grip strength is recorded. Higher values indicate better strength.

    Unit of Measure: kg

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Mei-Chen Ho, Ms

CONTACT

[email protected]

+886 910228368

Ya-Ling Tzeng, PhD

CONTACT

[email protected]

+886 4-22053366 ext. 7112

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

China Medical University Hospital

Other

Registry information

Official study title

The Effectiveness of a Media Integration Peer Support Model in Enhancing Awareness and Health Behaviors Related to Obesity and Sarcopenic Obesity Among Overweight-risk College Students

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
May 11, 2025
Registry last updated
May 11, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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