Tailored text messages for teen weight loss

A University of Michigan study recently published in Obesity studied which kinds of text messages would be well received among obese teens who were part of a weight management program. Six types of messages were tested: testimonials, meal and recipe ideas, targeted tips, reflective questions, feedback questions and tailored messages. The teens liked the messages that told them what to do, weight loss strategies from other teens as well as messages that were uplifting. The group didn't like the messages that included unhealthful behaviors and food.

Texting for pregnant women & new moms

According to a recent article in the Arizona Daily Sun, a new program called Text4Baby targets pregnant women and new moms via text message. Sponsored by Johnson & Johnson and launched by the National Healthy Mothers and Healthy Babies Coalition, the program's goal is to give pregnant women and new mothers with the information they need to give their babies a healthy start.