Table 2.

Families Improving Together for Weight Loss Theoretical Essential Elements

Theory	Essential Element	Description
SCT	Self-Monitoring	Parents and adolescents monitor their caloric intake, energy expenditure, and weight, using a tool of their choice.
SCT	Goal Setting	Parents and adolescents set specific weight-loss goals together weekly, including intake, expenditure, and sedentary behavior goals.
SCT	Self-Regulation Skills	Parents and adolescents learn to identify personal barriers, substitute healthier alternatives, and provide positive reinforcements.
SDT & FST	Communication Skills	Parents and adolescents use positive communication strategies, including reflective listening, problem-solving, and shared decision-making, to discuss weight-loss behaviors.
FST	Parental Monitoring and Limit Setting	Parents monitor and track adolescent self-monitoring and goals, set limits with adolescents around weight loss behaviors, and monitor implementation of family rules and rewards for adhering to weight-loss behaviors.
SCT, SDT, & FST	Social Support	Adolescents use strategies for eliciting social support for weight-loss behaviors from parents. Parents provide adolescents with social support for weight-loss behaviors.
SDT	Autonomy Support	Adolescents have choices and are provided with opportunities to give input. Parents seek input from adolescents and negotiate rules and behavior changes together. Families engage in shared decision-making.
SCT	Self-Efficacy	Adolescents and parents have opportunities to practice and successfully master weight loss strategies.
SDT	Motivation	Families provide input and build confidence in changing adolescent weight-loss behaviors.
Cultural Tailoring	Adaptation to Cultural Issues	Families develop action plans for resolving cultural barriers to weight loss and parenting skill development as appropriate.