Adolescents’ and Parents’ Perspectives of a Revised Protein-Sparing Modified Fast (rPSMF) for Severe Obesity

The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the acceptability to adolescents (11–18 years old) and their parents using a revised protein-sparing modified fast (rPSMF) for 12 months as an intervention for severe obesity in a tertiary pediatric weight management clinic (PWMC). To assess acceptability (satisfaction, confidence) with the rPSMF protocol, surveys were completed by adolescents and parents at baseline, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, with adolescent height and weight measured. Analyses were conducted to assess differences in satisfaction and confidence based on adolescent response (weight loss) and adherence to the rPSMF. Adolescents’ adherence with the rPSMF was close to 50% in the first 3 months, but dropped to 14.7% at 6 months. Adolescents were most confident with choosing low carbohydrate foods at baseline. Over 12 months, adolescents and parents reported weight loss as “the most liked” part of the rPSMF. Adolescents who were adherent were more satisfied with their weight loss than their non-adherent peers. Parents and adolescents reported lack of food variety and difficulty following the protocol as challenges with the rPSMF. Adolescents and their parents were able to follow the rPSMF protocol, with weight loss, but with decreased adherence over time.