The impact of mother-child dyad dietary intervention using the transtheoretical model on bone mineral density in Japanese female adolescents

Abstract Purpose Peak bone mass, an important determinant of osteoporosis risk, is reached during adolescence. We evaluated the impact of mother-child dyad dietary intervention using the transtheoretical model (TTM) on bone mineral density in Japanese female adolescents. Design and methods The participants were dyads of female adolescents aged 15–16 years and their mothers (who are generally responsible for cooking). We enrolled 92 dyads, with 56 assigned to the intervention group and 36 to the control group. Bone mineral density was measured using quantitative ultrasound parameters (QUS). Nutrient intake and stage of behavioral change were collected via questionnaires. Evaluations were conducted at baseline and seven months later. The intervention group underwent the TTM-based dietary education program for six months. Results After the intervention program, the ratio of change of the quantitative ultrasound parameter—speed of sound (SOS)—was significantly higher in the intervention than the control group (p  Conclusions Dietary intervention for female adolescents and their mothers using the TTM may enhance the bone mineral density in female adolescents. Practice implications We suggest that dietary intervention for female adolescents and their mothers using the transtheoretical model may enhance the bone mineral density in female adolescents.