Prevalence Of Childhood Obesity Research Articles

Recreational screen time and obesity risk in Korean children: a 3-year prospective cohort study

BackgroundStudies have shown that prolonged television watching increases obesity risk among children. However, few studies examined the associations with other types of screen time, such as computer and smartphone use, using a prospective cohort study design. Further, little is known about the specific non-screen time activity that may yield the most benefits when reallocating screen time to other activities.MethodsWe conducted a prospective cohort analysis using 3-year follow-up data from the Korean Children and Youth Panel Survey 2018 (n = 2,023; 4th grade elementary students who were not obese at baseline). Average time spent watching television, using computer and smartphone, and other after-school activities were self-reported at baseline. Weight and height were also self-reported at baseline and follow-up surveys through 2021. We performed multivariable logistic regression models to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the associations between screen time and obesity incidence, adjusting for potential confounders. We also performed isotemporal substitution models to examine the associations of reallocating screen time to other non-screen time activities (physical activity, sleeping, hanging out with friends, reading, studying, and chatting with parents) in an equal time-exchange manner.ResultsLonger combined screen time (≥ 240 vs. <120 m/d) was statistically significantly associated with an increased obesity risk (OR [95% CI] = 1.68 [1.03, 2.73]). The direction of associations with television watching (≥ 180 vs. <60 m/d: OR [95% CI] = 2.86 [1.58, 5.20]), computer use (≥ 120 vs. <60 m/d: 1.38 [0.52, 3.64]), and smartphone use (≥ 180 vs. <60 m/d: 1.42 [0.76, 2.65]) were all positive, although the association was most apparent and statistically significant for television watching only. The associations did not change after additional adjustment for other lifestyle factors, including physical activity, sleep, and breakfast skipping. In the isotemporal substitution models, reallocating 1-hour of screen time to reading (OR [95% CI] = 0.67 [0.48, 0.93]) was associated with a decreased obesity risk. Reallocating 1-hour of screen time to physical activity was only marginally significantly associated with obesity risk (0.79 [0.62, 1.01]).ConclusionsOur data suggest that more efforts should focus on reducing screen time and increasing time for other non-screen time activities, particularly reading, for obesity prevention in children.

Study protocol for Early Tracking of Childhood Health determinants (ETCHED): A longitudinal observational life course study

BackgroundThe prevalence of childhood obesity and diabetes continues to rise in the United States (US), especially among minority populations. The objective of the Early Tracking of Childhood Health Determinants (ETCHED) study is to investigate the role of adverse fetal and early-life risk exposures that contribute to the development of childhood obesity and metabolic risk.MethodsETCHED is a longitudinal observational study of American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) and Hispanic pregnant woman and their offspring. Pregnant mothers ≥ 18 years old are enrolled at a large public hospital system in the southwestern US. Enrolled mothers are followed through pregnancy, delivery, and the maternal/offspring dyad will be followed until the child’s 18th birthday. At each maternal visit, questionnaires assessing medical history, diet, physical activity, sleep, perceived stress, and socioeconomic and sociocultural information are obtained. Standard laboratory tests during maternal visits include glycemic measures, lipids, and renal function. Additional bio samples obtained include venous blood samples and cord blood for obesity/metabolic biomarkers and genetic/epigenetic testing, urinalysis, placental tissue for examining functional pathways, breast milk for metabolomics, and stool for metabolites and microbiome analysis. The offspring will have 6 infant/toddler visits at 6–12 weeks, 4 months, 6 months, 18 months, 2 and 3 years respectively. Thereafter, they will undergo comprehensive research visits (major visits) at 4–5 years, 6–9 years, 10–13 years, and 14–17 years. The major visits in children include detailed medical history, anthropometry, developmental assessment, socioeconomic and environmental assessments (food insecurity, family structure, and childcare), feeding and activity, biochemical tests, genetics/epigenetic testing, and ultrasound elastography. Electronic health records will be reviewed for additional clinical information. The primary analysis will constitute estimation of correlation coefficients between continuous variables. The planned study duration in this ongoing study is 23-years.DiscussionThis is a life course study that that will examine biological and environmental risk factors for obesity and cardiometabolic risk from the intrauterine period to early childhood and adolescence in a population with high-risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes in the United States. The ETCHED study would also provide a unique opportunity to combine multi-omics and clinical data to create novel integrative models to predict the cardiometabolic risk associated with childhood obesity and possibly identify etiopathogenetic mechanisms and future targets of intervention.Trial registration numberClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03481829. Updated July 19, 2024, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03481829?cond=ETCHED&rank=1.

Reducing the incidence of overweight and obesity by a healthy lifestyle intervention program for schoolchildren in Hanoi, Vietnam: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThe increasing incidence and prevalence of childhood overweight (OW) and obesity (OB) are major global health challenges. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a 2-year healthy lifestyle intervention program in reducing the incidence of OW and OB among schoolchildren aged 11–12 years in Vietnam.MethodsStudy design: Randomized controlled trial.Participants and interventions: In total, 733 students participated in this study. Participants were included from four schools in Hanoi based on a random cluster sampling method. Students’ health outcomes were assessed at baseline and after 2 years.Main outcomes: The primary outcomes were the incidence of OW and OB, and the secondary outcomes were the prevalence and remission of OW and OB. Generalized estimating equations (GEEs) were used to determine the outcomes and risk factors.ResultsAfter the intervention, the prevalence of OW decreased by 9.24% in the intervention group and 3.01% in the control group.After adjustment for age and sex, the odds of overweight were 36.7% lower in the intervention group than in the control group (OR = 0.633; 95% CI: 0.434–0.925; P = 0.018). The incidence of OW was 1.31% in the intervention group compared with 5.33% in the control group. After adjustment for age and sex, the odds of incident overweight in the intervention group were 77.4% lower than in the control group (OR = 0.226; 95% CI: 0.063–0.813; P = 0.023). The proportion of patients who achieved OW remission was 41.22% in the intervention group and 28.68% in the control group. After adjustment for age and sex, the odds of OW remission of overweight were 2.219 times greater in the intervention group than in the control group (OR = 2.219; 95% CI: 1.220–4.036; P = 0.009). For most OB-related factors, there were no significant differences between the intervention and control groups.ConclusionA multicomponent healthy lifestyle intervention was effective in reducing the incidence of OW; however, it had no significant effect on OB among children aged 11–12 years in Hanoi, Vietnam.Trial registrationRetrospectively registered number: UMIN000014992, 20/08/2023.

A growth curve model to estimate longitudinal effects of parental BMI on Indonesian children's growth patterns.

The global surge in childhood obesity is also evident in Indonesia. Parental body mass index (BMI) values were found to be one of the major determinants of the increasing prevalence of childhood obesity. It is uncertain if parental BMI during their offspring's childhood significantly affects their children's BMI trajectories into adulthood. We aimed to investigate the influence of parental BMI Z-scores on BMI trajectories of Indonesian school-aged children, with a focus on sex-specific effects. This study utilized data from the Indonesian Family Life Survey and tracked the same respondents over four time points, from wave 2 (1997-1998) to wave 5 (2014-2015). The sample of this study consisted of children aged 5-12 years in wave 2 for whom height and weight data were available. We utilized a two-level growth curve model to account for the hierarchical structure of the data, with time nested within individual children. Fathers' BMI Z-scores in wave 2 had a pronounced influence (β = 0.31) on female children's BMI Z-scores compared to the influence of mothers' BMI Z-scores (β = 0.17). Mothers' BMI Z-scores in wave 2 showed a stronger positive association with male children's BMI Z-scores (β = 0.22) than did the father's BMI Z-scores (β = 0.19). A significant interaction of fathers' BMI Z-scores and years of follow-up was found for male children. As male children's BMI Z-scores increased by year, this effect was stronger in those whose fathers' BMI Z-scores were at a higher level. In conclusion, we found that parental BMI values profoundly influenced their children's BMI trajectories.

Refining the Choosing Health Infant feeding for Infant Health intervention and implementation strategy: Re-CHErIsH Study Protocol

Background Childhood obesity is a significant global public health challenge, with significant adverse effects on both mental and physical health outcomes. During the period from birth to one-year, modifiable caregiver behaviours, such as what, how and when infants are fed, can influence obesity development and prevention. The Choosing Healthy Eating for Infant Health (CHErIsH) intervention was developed to support healthy infant feeding practices to prevent childhood obesity in the first year. A feasibility study examined acceptability and feasibility of the CHErIsH intervention in primary care and identified key challenges and possible areas for refinement of the intervention and trial processes. The current project aims to refine delivery of the CHErIsH intervention and trial processes to maximise the likelihood of successful future implementation and evaluation. Methods This study will utilise a mixed-methods approach and will be conducted in three phases. In Phase 1 potential refinements to the CHErIsH intervention delivery and trial processes will be developed from a review of the feasibility study findings and input from the multidisciplinary team. An online mixed-methods survey will be conducted in Phase 2 to evaluate caregiver attitudes about the proposed refinements from Phase 1. Participants will be pregnant women, their partners, and/or parents/primary caregivers of infants up to 2-years of age, based in Ireland. Participants will be recruited using convenience and snowball sampling. In Phase 3 a stakeholder consensus meeting, using the nominal group technique, will be conducted to agree the refined intervention and trial processes. Stakeholders will include healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers, and parents/caregivers, who will discuss and rate refinements in terms of preference. Conclusions Findings from this study will address uncertainties in the intervention delivery and trial processes of the CHErIsH intervention, with the potential to maximise the likelihood of successful future implementation and evaluation of a primary-care based obesity prevention intervention.

Prevalence of Childhood Obesity Among Children and Adolescents in Saudi Arabia: A Systematic Review.

Childhood obesity is a growing public health concern worldwide, with significant implications for long-term health outcomes. Thus, the aim of this study is to highlight the prevalence and trend of obesity among children and adolescents in Saudi Arabia over the last 24 years.This systematic review included participants aged 2 to 19 years without systemic disease, reporting the prevalence of obesity using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classification and BMI calculation, from studies in English or Arabic published between January 2000 and April 2024. We conducted a comprehensive search across multiple databases including ProQuest, Google Scholar, ISI Web of Science, Embase via Ovid, and MEDLINE via Ovid, and reviewed references of included studies. Data were extracted and quality assessed independently by two authors, with any disagreements resolved through discussion with a third reviewer, using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale modified for this study. This systematic review included 21 studies from Saudi Arabia, published between 2006 and 2023, with participants aged 2 to 19 years. The studies involved a total of 63,512 subjects. Among children, the prevalence of overweight ranged from 5% to 29%, while obesity ranged from 3.8% to 49.7%, classified using CDC criteria. Quality assessment rated 10 studies as Very Good, 10 as Good, and one as Unsatisfactory.The systematic review of childhood obesity prevalence in Saudi Arabia over the past 24 years highlights alarming trends and significant public health implications. Our analysis emphasizes an increase in obesity rates among children and adolescents, revealing a complex link of socioeconomic, cultural, and lifestyle factors contributing to this epidemic.

Preventing and treating childhood obesity by sleeping better: a systematic review.

Childhood obesity represents a major public health issue worldwide. Evidence showed the need to implement prevention strategies mainly focused on lifestyle habits. Sleep hygiene is a variable of great interest and this review systematically examined the effects of sleep duration in increasing childhood obesity risk. A systematic literature review was conducted from December 2023 to February 2024. Study selection and data extraction procedures were performed in accordance with Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Guidelines and Statement, and risk of publication bias was assessed by the Effective Public Health Practice Project Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies. Original works in English were eligible for review and eleven studies that met the inclusion criteria were included. Studies collected were heterogeneous in terms of duration, sample characteristics, hours of sleep manipulation, anthropometric and hematological parameters collected, therefore it was not possible to perform a meta-analysis. A narrative synthesis of the reported evidence highlighted the impact of sleep duration above all on food intake, eating habits and hormone levels and consequently on the risk of childhood obesity development. This finding suggests the need to consider sleep hygiene as a modifiable lifestyle habit like diet and physical activity, in order to early prevent childhood obesity. Poor sleep hygiene can significantly contribute to weight gain and exacerbation of metabolic disorders linked to childhood obesity. Although more rigorous studies are needed, clinicians need to be aware of the role of sleep hygiene in reducing childhood obesity risk.

Neighborhood Food Access in Early Life and Trajectories of Child Body Mass Index and Obesity

Limited access to healthy foods, resulting from residence in neighborhoods with low food access, is a public health concern. The contribution of this exposure in early life to child obesity remains uncertain. To examine associations of neighborhood food access during pregnancy or early childhood with child body mass index (BMI) and obesity risk. Data from cohorts participating in the US nationwide Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes consortium between January 1, 1994, and March 31, 2023, were used. Participant inclusion required a geocoded residential address in pregnancy (mean 32.4 gestational weeks) or early childhood (mean 4.3 years) and information on child BMI. Residence in low-income, low-food access neighborhoods, defined as low-income neighborhoods where the nearest supermarket is more than 0.5 miles for urban areas or more than 10 miles for rural areas. BMI z score, obesity (age- and sex-specific BMI ≥95th percentile), and severe obesity (age- and sex-specific BMI ≥120% of the 95th percentile) from age 0 to 15 years. Of 28 359 children (55 cohorts; 14 657 [51.7%] male and 13 702 [48.3%] female; 590 [2.2%] American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, or Other Pacific Islander; 1430 [5.4%] Asian; 4034 [15.3%] Black; 17 730 [67.2%] White; and 2592 [9.8%] other [unspecified] or more than 1 race; 5754 [20.9%] Hispanic and 21 838 [79.1%] non-Hispanic) with neighborhood food access data, 23.2% resided in low-income, low-food access neighborhoods in pregnancy and 24.4% in early childhood. After adjusting for individual sociodemographic characteristics, residence in low-income, low-food access (vs non-low-income, low-food access) neighborhoods in pregnancy was associated with higher BMI z scores at ages 5 years (β, 0.07; 95% CI, 0.03-0.11), 10 years (β, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.06-0.17), and 15 years (β, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.07-0.24); higher obesity risk at 5 years (risk ratio [RR], 1.37; 95% CI, 1.21-1.55), 10 years (RR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.37-2.12), and 15 years (RR, 2.08; 95% CI, 1.53-2.83); and higher severe obesity risk at 5 years (RR, 1.21; 95% CI, 0.95-1.53), 10 years (RR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.20-1.99), and 15 years (RR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.32-2.80). Findings were similar for residence in low-income, low-food access neighborhoods in early childhood. These associations were robust to alternative definitions of low income and low food access and additional adjustment for prenatal characteristics associated with child obesity. Residence in low-income, low-food access neighborhoods in early life was associated with higher subsequent child BMI and higher risk of obesity and severe obesity. We encourage future studies to examine whether investments in neighborhood resources to improve food access in early life would prevent child obesity.

Built environment and childhood obesity.

Childhood obesity, an escalating global health challenge, is intricately linked to the built environment in which children live, learn, and play. This review and perspective examined the multifaceted relationship between the built environment and childhood obesity, offering insights into potential interventions for prevention. Factors such as urbanization, access to unhealthy food options, sedentary behaviors, and socioeconomic disparities are critical contributors to this complex epidemic. Built environment encompasses the human-modified spaces such as homes, schools, workplaces, and urban areas. These settings can influence children's physical activity levels, dietary habits, and overall health. The built environment can be modified to prevent childhood obesity by enhancing active transportation through the development of safe walking and cycling routes, creating accessible and inviting green spaces and play areas, and promoting healthy food environments by regulating fast-food outlet density. School design is another area for intervention, with a focus on integrating outdoor spaces and facilities that promote physical activity and healthy eating. Community engagement and education in reinforcing healthy behaviors is necessary, alongside the potential of technology and innovation in encouraging physical activity among children. Policy and legislative support are crucial for sustaining these efforts. In conclusion, addressing the built environment in the fight against childhood obesity requires the need for a comprehensive, multipronged approach that leverages the built environment as a tool for promoting healthier lifestyles among children, ultimately paving the way for a healthier, more active future generation.

The Return on Investment for the Prevention and Treatment of Childhood and Adolescent Overweight and Obesity in Beijing: A Modeling Study.

Background: The increasing prevalence of child and adolescent overweight and obesity (CAOAO) in Beijing poses significant health and economic challenges. This study assesses the potential health and economic outcomes of implementing specific interventions to address CAOAO in Beijing. Methods: A deterministic Markov cohort model was used to estimate the impact of five interventions from 2025 to 2115: restrictions on unhealthy food marketing to children, mandatory front of package labeling (FOPL), family-based nutrition and exercise education, school-based nutritional health education, and nutritional counseling in primary healthcare. The model evaluated societal costs, healthcare savings, wages, and economic productivity in adulthood, calculating the return on investment (ROI) for each intervention and their combined effect. Result: Without intervention, Beijing is projected to experience a loss of 13.4 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) due to CAOAO. The health and economic impact of childhood obesity in Beijing is projected to be CNY 14.6 trillion (USD 2.1 trillion), or a lifetime loss of CNY 6.8 million (USD 0.96 million) per affected child, exceeding the sum of Beijing's GDP from 2021 to 2023. Restrictions on unhealthy food marketing to children and nutrition counseling in primary healthcare are projected to yield the highest returns, with benefits accruing within one year of implementation. Owing to the substantial upfront costs, including personnel, materials, and training, school-based and family-based interventions require a longer time horizon to realize significant health and economic benefits. Conclusions: Effective management of CAOAO in Beijing demands a multifaceted approach. The combination of restrictions on unhealthy food marketing to children, mandatory front of package labeling, nutrition counseling in primary healthcare, school-based intervention, and family-based intervention presents the most substantial health and economic returns. This comprehensive strategy aligns with global best practices and addresses the unique challenges faced by Beijing in combating childhood obesity.

Association of dietary habits with general and abdominal obesity in Korean children and adolescents: cluster analysis of nationwide population survey data.

Childhood obesity is a growing global health concern, but few studies have investigated dietary factors specifically related to obesity and abdominal obesity in children and adolescents. Herein, we aimed to identify the dietary factors affecting childhood obesity in Korean children and adolescents. Data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Survey (KNHANES) VIII were analyzed using K-means clustering analysis to identify distinct clusters based on nine variables related to dietary habit, nutritional status, and nutritional education. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between incident obesity risk and the different clusters. We enrolled 2,290 participants aged 6-18 years, and separated them into two distinct clusters; Healthy and Unhealthy Dietary Habit Groups, clusters 1 and 2, respectively. Cluster 1 was characterized by a lower obesity prevalence, healthier dietary habits (regular breakfast consumption; fruit and vegetable, reduced total energy, and lower protein and fat intakes), and greater nutritional education than Cluster 2. After adjusting for confounders, compared with Cluster 1, Cluster 2 demonstrated a significantly higher prevalence (OR [95% CI]) of both general and abdominal obesity (1.49 [1.05-2.13], p=0.027 and 1.43 [1.09-1.88], p=0.009). Maintaining optimal dietary quality and patterns are crucial to prevent childhood obesity. Further research is warranted to explore specific dietary interventions tailored to different clusters to effectively address childhood obesity.

Determinants and facilitators of community coalition diffusion of prevention efforts

This study examines how individual characteristics and network features of coalition participation in an intervention predict coalition members’ diffusion of Knowledge and Engagement in childhood obesity prevention. The study involved six communities in the U.S. measured across two to five time points from 2018 to 2021. Each community participated in the Stakeholder-driven Community Diffusion theory-informed intervention, a three-phase intervention that employs group model building and technical assistance with convened stakeholders to build Knowledge, Engagement, and utilize research evidence in community-led, childhood obesity prevention actions. Findings indicate that key individual-level characteristics (e.g., years of experience, gender, eigenvector centrality) and network-level features (e.g., hierarchy, clustering) are associated with higher increases in intervention outcomes of Knowledge and Engagement in childhood obesity prevention. We attend to issues of perceived influence and power in community coalitions, finding that younger, less experienced women who are not well connected to other well-connected coalition members experience smaller increases in intervention outcomes. Our discussion focuses on how individual- and network-level characteristics are associated with coalition support for evidence-based practice adoption and implementation.

Systematic Review: Mencegah dan mengobati Overweight dan Obesitas pada Masa kanak-kanak

The prevalence of childhood obesity is increasing worldwide with long-term health consequences. Effective strategies are needed to prevent rising obesity rates, but systematic reviews of interventions have reported inconsistent impact. Evaluation of interventions can provide more practically relevant information when considered in the context of the situation in which the intervention is implemented. This systematic review has evaluated dietary and physical activity interventions aimed at reducing childhood obesity, from birth to age 5 years, across intervention settings. These studies were grouped based on the circumstances in which the intervention was carried out, which included interventions in daycare/school (n=5), home (n=3), community (n=2), hospital (n=1), e-health ( n=2). Home-based interventions were identified as the most effective measures as four of five studies reported significant changes in child weight outcomes. Interventions carried out at home and involving parents/family are effective in preventing childhood obesity. These findings should be considered when developing optimal strategies for the prevention of childhood obesity.

Progress on research of childhood obesity hazards and prevention

Progress on research of childhood obesity hazards and prevention

Assessing the acceptability of a culturally adapted group-based pediatric intervention, Kokajjiriri, for Marshallese mothers and infants to improve nutrition and prevent childhood obesity.

Marshallese Pacific Islanders experience higher rates of obesity than other racial and/or ethnic communities. Despite the obesity rates experienced in this community, there are currently no childhood obesity prevention interventions designed for Marshallese Pacific Islanders in the United States. The purpose of this study is to assess the acceptability and feasibility of a culturally adapted group-based pediatric intervention, Kokajjiriri, with Marshallese mothers to improve nutrition and reduce childhood obesity. A multi-methods design was used to culturally adapt the Kokajjiriri intervention for Marshallese mothers in Arkansas (n = 17). In phase one, we conducted 24-h dietary recalls with 20 Marshallese mothers to inform the cultural adaptation of the group-based pediatric intervention, and then in phase two, we culturally adapted and piloted three sessions of the intervention to determine the acceptability and feasibility of the intervention. Participants found the adapted intervention to be acceptable and feasible, found the location to be convenient and found the facilitator to be knowledgeable. Four themes emerged from the qualitative data: (1) Lactation Support; (2) Introducing Healthy Solids; (3) Rice Portion Control; and (4) Finding Resources. This is the first study to assess the acceptability and feasibility of a culturally adapted group-based pediatric intervention, Kokajjiriri, with Marshallese mothers to improve nutrition and reduce childhood obesity. The results from this culturally adapted group-based pediatric intervention, Kokajjiriri, will be used to inform future adaptations and implementation of the full intervention for Marshallese women and children.

219 - Identifying primary health professionals’ training needs to support early childhood obesity prevention in Australia

219 - Identifying primary health professionals’ training needs to support early childhood obesity prevention in Australia

218 - A comparison of early childhood obesity prevention in Australia between general practice and child and family health nursing services: a mixed methods study

218 - A comparison of early childhood obesity prevention in Australia between general practice and child and family health nursing services: a mixed methods study

Early childhood executive control modulates negative affectivity's role in increasing adolescent body mass index trajectories.

Executive control and temperament have been associated with pediatric obesity. However, interactions between these constructs in relation to future weight outcomes have not been investigated. This longitudinal study examined early childhood executive control, early temperament (negative affectivity and surgency), and their interactions as predictors of adolescent BMI trajectories. At age 5.25, children (N = 229) completed executive control tasks, and parents completed the Child Behavior Questionnaire to assess temperament. BMI was calculated annually between ages 14-17. Greater early negative affectivity predicted more positive BMI growth. Although early childhood executive control was not associated with BMI growth, greater negative affectivity predicted greater BMI escalation at average and below average executive control abilities. For children without robust executive control abilities early in development, negative affectivity may be a risk factor for accelerated adolescent BMI growth. Targeted assessment of early risk factors may be useful for childhood obesity prevention efforts.

208 - How can evidence-based early childhood obesity prevention programs achieve adoption, integration and scale-up: A comparative case study

208 - How can evidence-based early childhood obesity prevention programs achieve adoption, integration and scale-up: A comparative case study

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Healthy Nutrition and Obesity Awareness Education for Middle School Students Using Drama-Based Learning Activities

Aim: The prevalence of childhood obesity is rapidly increasing, making it one of the most common nutritional problems globally. This study aimed to investigate the impact of education using the creative drama technique on obesity awareness and healthy nutrition-exercise behavior among middle school students. Material and Methods: This single-group pre-test-post-test quasi-experimental study was conducted in a state middle school in a Western Black Sea Region province between October 2023 and January 2024, involving 156 middle school students selected through random sampling. A six-session face-to-face education program on obesity prevention and healthy nutrition was implemented. Data collection forms included a Demographic Information Form, an Obesity Awareness Scale, and a Nutrition-Exercise Behavior Scale. Data collection forms were administered to students before (t1) and one month after the education (t2). Results: The mean age of the participating students was 12.33±0.92. Only 3.8% of students had previously received education on combating obesity through healthy nutrition. There was a significant increase in students’ obesity awareness (t1=2.99±0.17, t2=3.54±0.20) and nutrition-exercise behavior scores (t1=153.76±13.07, t2=165.1±11.57) after the education. Conclusion: Interactive and participatory learning through the creative drama technique effectively increased students’ obesity awareness and promoted healthy nutrition-exercise behaviors. Education focusing on hands-on experiences and active engagement was found to be successful in enhancing students’ awareness of obesity and encouraging healthier lifestyle choices.