Effectiveness of a school-based programme to prevent obesity

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Intervention for childhood obesity is a public health priority. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an elementary school-based intervention against obesity in children. Materials and methods Non-randomised controlled trial was conducted on children from first to fifth grade from two public schools of Aviles (Spain). The intervention lasted for 2 school years comprising healthy diet workshops, educational chats, educational meetings, informative written material, and promotion of physical activities. Primary outcome measure was body mass index z-score. Secondary outcomes included obesity and overweight prevalence, waist circumference, dietary habits, and physical activity. Results A total of 382 (177 girls, 205 boys) out of 526 pupils of both schools were included in the study. Complete anthropometric data were obtained in 340 of the 382 individuals. Compared to children in the control group, those in the intervention group decreased body mass index z-score from 1.14 to 1.02 (P = 0.017), and improved KIDMED score from 7.33 to 7.71 points (P = 0.045). The percentage of students who carried on an optimal diet increased from 42.6% to 52.3% (P = 0.021). There were no statistical differences in the prevalence of obesity and overweight, or in waist circumference between the intervention and control groups. Conclusions This school-based programme resulted in modest beneficial changes in body mass index and diet quality.