Koa Family: California's Obesity Prevention Project

This study will employ a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design to test a newly developed obesity reduction program, Koa Family, among overweight or obese mothers. An exploratory, uncontrolled study will assess its acceptance among normal-weight mothers. Koa Family consists of a 6-month whole-person lifestyle program (WPLP) combined with text messaging and social media support and the opportunity to take part in a neighborhood tree planting campaign. This multi-pronged program is intended to reduce weight in the short-term while building self-empowerment and connections to community resources so that participants can sustain long-term weight loss. Koa Family will be implemented in select communities in Yolo and Sacramento counties, California. Overweight or obese study participants will be randomized to either an intervention or control group; all normal-weight participants will be assigned to the intervention. All participants will complete a survey and have their height and weight measured at baseline and 3-, 6-, 9- and 12-month follow-up. Intervention participants will also take part in a focus group at the 3-month midpoint of the intervention.