Childhood Obesity Prevention Strategies Research Articles

Association between childhood obesity and gut microbiota: 16S rRNA gene sequencing-based cohort study.

This study aimed to identify characteristic gut genera in obese and normal-weight children (8-12 years old) using 16S rDNA sequencing. The research aimed to provide insights for mechanistic studies and prevention strategies for childhood obesity. Thirty normal-weight and thirty age- and sex-matched obese children were included. Questionnaires and body measurements were collected, and fecal samples underwent 16S rDNA sequencing. Significant differences in body mass index (BMI) and body-fat percentage were observed between the groups. Analysis of gut microbiota diversity revealed lower α-diversity in obese children. Di-fferences in gut microbiota composition were found between the two groups. Prevotella and Firmicutes were more abundant in the obese group, while Bacteroides and Sanguibacteroides were more prevalent in the control group. To identify the characteristic gut genera in obese and normal-weight children (8-12-year-old) using 16S rDNA sequencing, and provide a basis for subsequent mechanistic studies and prevention strategies for childhood obesity. Thirty each normal-weight, 1:1 matched for age and sex, and obese children, with an obese status from 2020 to 2022, were included in the control and obese groups, respectively. Basic information was collected through questionnaires and body measurements were obtained from both obese and normal-weight children. Fecal samples were collected from both groups and subjected to 16S rDNA sequencing using an Illumina MiSeq sequencing platform for gut microbiota diversity analysis. Significant differences in BMI and body-fat percentage were observed between the two groups. The Ace and Chao1 indices were significantly lower in the obese group than those in the control group, whereas differences were not significant in the Shannon and Simpson indices. Kruskal-Wallis tests indicated significant differences in unweighted and weighted UniFrac distances between the gut microbiota of normal-weight and obese children (P < 0.01), suggesting substantial disparities in both the species and quantity of gut microbiota between the two groups. Prevotella, Firmicutes, Bacteroides, and Sanguibacteroides were more abundant in the obese and control groups, respectively. Heatmap results demonstrated significant differences in the gut microbiota composition between obese and normal-weight children. Obese children exhibited lower α-diversity in their gut microbiota than did the normal-weight children. Significant differences were observed in the composition of gut microbiota between obese and normal-weight children.

Addressing the Challenge: A Review of Effective Prevention Strategies for Childhood Obesity in India.

Childhood obesity is a growing public health concern in India, with rising prevalence rates and associated health risks. This review examines effective prevention strategies for addressing this issue. Through a comprehensive analysis of research findings, policy initiatives, and community-based interventions, the review identifies critical components of successful prevention efforts. These include multi-sectoral collaborations, tailored interventions addressing socioeconomic and cultural factors, and the involvement of families and healthcare professionals. The importance of addressing childhood obesity in India is underscored, given its significant impact on health outcomes, healthcare costs, and quality of life. The review concludes with a call to action for stakeholders and policymakers to prioritise prevention efforts, allocate resources, and implement evidence-based interventions to combat childhood obesity effectively. By working together, India can mitigate the adverse effects of childhood obesity and promote a healthier future for its children.

Socioecological correlates of parental lifestyle patterns during the prenatal period

Abstract Background There is growing evidence that family lifestyle patterns in early life are associated with the risk of child obesity. However, beyond the influence of socio-economic position, scarce are studies on the social determinants of such lifestyle patterns. The aim was therefore to investigate the socio-ecological correlates of parental lifestyle patterns in pregnancy. Methods We selected 1,110 families from the EDEN birth cohort, recruited in two maternity hospitals in France between 2003 and 2006. In a previous work, we identified two parental lifestyle patterns characterized by 1) “high parental smoking, low maternal diet quality, and low leisure physical activity 2) “low parental body mass index and high gestational weight gain”. Within the framework of both socio-ecological and hierarchical approaches, we conducted multivariable linear regression analyses, with socio-ecological factors added progressively from the most distal to the most proximal, i.e. urban environment variables (block 1); socio-economics, geographic origin, parents’ age, parity (block 2); and psychological factors or access to health care (block 3). Results Parents with a higher socio-economic position (education level, household income), first-time or older mothers and those having attended antenatal sessions had lower scores on the first pattern. Multiparous women, with an intermediate level of education, and older fathers had lower scores on the second pattern. No major associations were reported with urban environment or psychological factors. Conclusions Beyond the expected socio-economic gradient of family lifestyle patterns, we report novel insights into potential levers specific to the prenatal period, such as the opportunity of parenting preparation to engage in healthy behaviours. Analyses will be replicated in three other European cohorts, if confirmed, these findings will be valuable to increase the effectiveness of future childhood obesity prevention strategies in early life. Key messages • Higher socio-economic conditions and attendance of parenting preparation classes are associated with healthier family lifestyle in pregnancy. • The identification of potential facilitators and barriers for family lifestyle in early life will help for further translation to effective childhood obesity prevention and implementation strategies.

An Analysis of Key Actor Networks for Scale-Up Strategies for Childhood Obesity Prevention and the Care of Children with Obesity in Brazil

BackgroundEffective scale-up of multisectoral strategies aimed to prevent and treat childhood obesity has been a challenge in Brazil, the largest country in Latin America. Implementation Science methods, such as Net-Map, can identify key actors and opinion leaders (OLs) to advance the implementation and promote sustainability. ObjectivesThis study aimed to analyze power relations between key actors and OLs who influence the scale-up of Brazilian strategies for childhood obesity at the federal and state/municipal (local) levels. MethodsA mixed method study, applying the Net-Map method, collected data through virtual workshops with federal and local level stakeholders. The Net-Map included key actors mapping, power mapping, and identification of OLs. Four domains of power were analyzed: command, funding, technical assistance, and dissemination. Network cohesion and centrality measures were calculated. A qualitative analysis was conducted to qualify power relations according to ∗ gears for a successful scale-up (i.e., coordination, goals, and monitoring; advocacy; political will; legislation and policy; funding and resources; training; program delivery; communication; and research and technical cooperation). ResultsA total of 121 federal key actors and 63 local key actors were identified across networks, of which 62 and 28 were identified as OLs, respectively. Whereas the command domain of power had the highest number of key actors, the funding domain had the least. The health sector executive branch emerged as an OL across all domains of power. ConclusionsBarriers that threatened successful scale-up include the lack of coordination between domains of power, missing leadership within key actors, and lack of mechanisms to manage conflict of interest. Governance strategies to enhance multisectoral coordination and communication are needed to effectively scale-up and sustain childhood obesity strategies in Brazil.

PCR27 Parents' Preference and Perception for Childhood Obesity Prevention Strategies in China: A Survey-Based Experiment

Childhood obesity is among the most severe health concerns in China. The results of former studies on parents' preferences for preventing childhood obesity remain insufficiently fixed. This study aims to measure and quantify parents' preferences for strategies to prevent obesity in China.

Measuring Shifts in Mental Models in the Prevention of Childhood Obesity in Rural Australia.

Group model building is a participatory workshop technique used in system dynamics for developing community consensus to address complex problems by consensus building on individual assumptions. This study examines changes in individual mental models of the complex problem of childhood obesity following participation in group model building (GMB), as part of a larger community-based system dynamics project. Data are drawn from GMB participants across six community sites in the Whole of Systems Trial of Prevention Strategies for Childhood Obesity (WHO STOPS) in rural and regional Victoria, Australia. Each community participated in two GMB sessions resulting in a causal loop diagram (CLD) of drivers of childhood obesity for each community. Presurvey and postsurvey captured participants' perspectives before and after (n = 25) participation in both GMB sessions and a blend of inductive and deductive qualitative content analysis was used to code individual responses. Three calculations were used to determine the number of responses, whether responses were a result of persuasion from others, and comparison of responses to those found in the CLD. Our study found participant mental models shifted during the course of the GMB sessions, with some responses persuaded by others and 75% of new insights identified in CLDs created by communities. The GMB process created a platform for participants to share ideas and learn from each other. In addition, participants listed new insights about childhood obesity in their community through developing CLDs.

Perceived challenges to implementing childhood obesity prevention strategies in pediatric primary care

Childhood is an opportune time to address issues related to weight management, as children with obesity are more likely to have obesity in adulthood, and few successful long-term weight loss strategies exist. In 2007, an Expert Committee established guidelines for integrating obesity prevention into primary care, yet few studies have examined the extent to which pediatric primary care providers provide education about nutrition and physical activity at preventive (i.e., well-child) visits. This study aimed to identify challenges encountered and strategies used by pediatric primary care providers in South Carolina to address childhood obesity. Two focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with pediatric primary care providers (n ​= ​23) from a federally qualified health center (FQHC) in South Carolina. Participants responded to a series of semi-structured, open-ended questions about their experiences integrating obesity prevention and treatment into primary care. Focus groups were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Two coders used an iterative coding and consensus-building process to identify themes and subthemes, finalize coding, and extract illustrative quotations. Providers reported that families they served experienced many barriers to healthy eating and physical activity, including lack of community-based programming and social determinants of health. Provider-focused challenges were also identified, including time constraints, lack of focus on prevention, and logistic issues. . Providers described multiple strategies to address childhood obesity in their pediatric practice, including using family-centered approaches and tailoring obesity prevention and treatment approaches to patient demographics (e.g., age, ethnicity, comorbid conditions). A number of tools were also described as helpful in promoting physical activity and healthy eating during well-child visits.

Wellness on Wheels: Integrating Childhood Obesity Prevention Strategies in an Outdoor Nutrition Education Program in a Community Facing Food Insecurity and High Rates of Childhood Obesity

Upon completion, participant will be able to describe the steps for a school-based MyPlate nutrition education program that includes recipe demonstration, food access, and promotion of child-family home meal preparation.

Results of a Rural Traffic Calming Event to Promote Physical Activity

This article describes how community need was addressed through a traffic calming pop-up event in rural Arkansas. The event was conducted on routes connecting a neighborhood, two schools, and a municipal park. A brief survey assessed safety concerns of parents and/or guardians related to children walking or biking to school. Prior to the event, parents/guardians reported it was not safe for their children to walk or bike to school; however, the majority agreed the event made the area safer. Small-scale traffic calming events can provide evidence to stakeholders that built environment changes are an important childhood obesity prevention strategy in rural Extension work.

Relationship between "Blue Space" Proximity and Children's Weight Status, Health Behaviors, and Health-Related Quality of Life among a Sample of Regional Victorian Primary School Children.

Background: Access to green space (e.g., parks and gardens) has been associated with child health and wellbeing, whereas blue space (e.g., coasts, lakes, and rivers) is understudied. Our aim was to determine whether proximity to the coast was associated with primary school children's weight status, modifiable health-related behaviors, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Methods: Exploratory cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from the Whole of Systems Trial of Prevention Strategies for Childhood Obesity (WHOSTOPS) study, to estimate gender-specific differences in weight and behaviors across four bands of distance from the coast (<5 km, 5 to <25 km, 25 to <50 km, ≥50 km). Linear and logistic models, with robust standard errors, adjusted for school year level, area-level socioeconomic position and rurality, and allowing for distance by gender interaction were fitted on data from 1216 children (aged 8.5-13 years). Main outcomes were weight status (categorical), physical activity (PA) (categorical), and global HRQoL score (continuous). Results: Compared with girls living in towns ≥50 km from the coast, those living within 5 km had lower odds for overweight/obesity [odds ratio (OR) = 0.50; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.37-0.67] and higher mean moderate-to-vigorous PA minutes (accelerometry) (β = 8.7; 95% CI: 2.0-15.5) and global HRQoL (β = 3.2; 95% CI: 1.4-5.0). Compared with boys living ≥50 km from the coast, those living within 5 km had higher odds of meeting self-reported PA guidelines (≥60 minutes/day) for ≥5 days (OR = 2.33; 95% CI: 1.75-3.10), and higher mean global HRQoL scores (β = 5.6; 95% CI: 1.9-9.3). Conclusions: Living close to the coast was associated with some favorable health outcomes and behaviors, which differed between girls and boys.

The impact of a community-based intervention on weight, weight-related behaviours and health-related quality of life in primary school children in Victoria, Australia, according to socio-economic position

BackgroundApproximately a quarter of Australian children are classified as overweight or obese. In high-income countries, childhood obesity follows a socio-economic gradient, with greater prevalence amongst the most socio-economically disadvantaged children. Community-based interventions (CBI), particularly those using a systems approach, have been shown to be effective on weight and weight-related behaviours. They are also thought to have an equitable impacts, however there is limited evidence of their effectiveness in achieving this goal.MethodsSecondary analysis was conducted on data collected from primary school children (aged 6–13 years) residing in ten communities (five intervention, five control) involved in the Whole of Systems Trial of Prevention Strategies for Childhood Obesity (WHO STOPS) cluster randomised trial in Victoria, Australia. Outcomes included Body Mass Index z-score (BMI-z) derived from measured height and weight, self-reported physical activity and dietary behaviours and health related quality of life (HRQoL). Repeat cross-sectional data from 2015 (n = 1790) and 2019 (n = 2137) were analysed, stratified by high or low socio-economic position (SEP). Multilevel linear models and generalised estimating equations were fitted to assess whether SEP modified the intervention effect on the outcomes.ResultsThere were no overall changes in BMI-z for either SEP strata. For behavioural outcomes, the intervention resulted in a 22.5% (95% CI 5.1, 39.9) point greater improvement in high-SEP compared to low-SEP intervention schools for meeting physical activity guidelines. There were also positive dietary intervention effects for high SEP students, reducing takeaway and packaged snack consumption, although there was no significant difference in effect between high and low SEP students. There were positive intervention effects for HRQoL, whereby scores declined in control communities with no change in intervention communities, and this did not differ by SEP.ConclusionThe WHO STOPS intervention had differential effects on several weight-related behaviours according to SEP, including physical activity. Similar impacts on HRQoL outcomes were found between high and low SEP groups. Importantly, the trial evaluation was not powered to detect subgroup differences. Future evaluations of CBIs should be designed with an equity lens, to understand if and how these types of interventions can benefit all community members, regardless of their social and economic resources.

A Critical Analysis of Representations of Inequalities in Childhood Obesity in Australian Health Policy Documents.

In Australia, childhood obesity follows a socioeconomic gradient whereby children with lower socioeconomic position are disproportionately burdened. To reduce these inequalities in childhood obesity requires a multi-component policy-driven response. Action to address health issues is underpinned by the ways in which they are represented as 'problems' in public policy. This study critically examines representations of inequalities in childhood obesity within Australian health policy documents published between 2000-2019. Australia's federal, state and territory government health department websites were searched for health policy documents including healthy weight, obesity, healthy eating, food and nutrition strategies; child and youth health strategies; and broader health and wellbeing, prevention and health promotion policies that proposed objectives or strategies for childhood obesity prevention. Thematic analysis of eligible documents was guided by a theoretical framework informed by problematization theory, ecological systems theory, and theoretical principles for equity in health policy. Eighteen policy documents were eligible for inclusion. The dominant representation of inequalities in childhood obesity was one of individual responsibility. The social determinants of inequalities in childhood obesity were acknowledged, yet policy actions predominantly focused on individual determinants. Equity was positioned as a principle of policy documents but was seldom mentioned in policy actions. Current representations of inequalities in childhood obesity in Australian health policy documents do not adequately address the underlying causes of health inequities. In order to reduce inequalities in childhood obesity future policies will need greater focus on health equity and the social determinants of health (SDoH).

Four-Year Behavioral, Health-Related Quality of Life, and BMI Outcomes from a Cluster Randomized Whole of Systems Trial of Prevention Strategies for Childhood Obesity.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to test the effectiveness of the Whole of Systems Trial of Prevention Strategies for Childhood Obesity (WHO STOPS Childhood Obesity) for behavioral, health‐related quality of life (HRQoL), and BMI outcomes.MethodsThis was a cluster randomized trial of 10 communities randomly allocated (1:1) to start intervention in 2015 (step 1) or in 2019 (after 4 years) in South West Victoria, Australia. Data were collected from participating primary schools in April to June of 2015 (73% school participation rate), 2017 (69%), and 2019 (63%). Student participation rates were 80% in 2015 (1,792/2,516 invited), 81% in 2017 (2,411/2,963), and 79% in 2019 (2,177/2,720). Repeat cross‐sectional analyses of measured height and weight (grades two, four, and six [aged approximately 7 to 12 years]), self‐reported behavior, and HRQoL (grades four and six) were conducted.ResultsThere was an intervention by time interaction in BMI z scores (P = 0.031) and obesity/overweight prevalence (P = 0.006). BMI z score and overweight/obesity prevalence decreased between 2015 and 2017 and increased between 2017 and 2019 in intervention communities. The intervention significantly reduced takeaway food consumption (P = 0.034) and improved physical (P = 0.019), psychosocial (P = 0.026), and global (P = 0.012) HRQoL. Water consumption increased among girls (P = 0.033) in the intervention communities, as did energy‐dense, nutrient‐poor snack consumption among boys (P = 0.006).ConclusionsWHO STOPS had a positive impact on takeaway food intake and HRQoL.

Latino church-going parents' insights on childhood obesity prevention.

Childhood obesity continues to be a priority health concern in the United States. Faith communities present a viable venue for health promotion programming. The majority of obesity prevention programming focuses on African American populations. Subsequently, insights for obesity prevention programming in Latino faith communities are lacking. This qualitative study aimed to gain insight into Latino church-going parents' perspectives on childhood obesity and faith-based obesity prevention strategies. Participants were Latino church-going parents with children ages 10-18, recruited from predominantly Latino churches in south Texas, United States. Focus groups were conducted with a total of 56 Latino participants from nine churches. Discussions were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim. Inductive content analysis was performed and assisted by NVivo. Participants were aware of the obesity facing their congregations. Parents' affirmation of the physical body being God's Temple supported the development of obesity prevention programs in faith community settings. Participants suggested integration of spiritual and physical health promotion through health sermons, Bible study, Sunday school, nutrition classes and physical activities for both children and adults. In brief, Latino church-going parents were concerned about childhood obesity and perceived the need for developing obesity prevention programs integrating both faith and health promotion.

Associations between lifestyle interventions during pregnancy and childhood weight and growth: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundMaternal health and lifestyle during pregnancy may be critical for the onset and progression of childhood obesity. Prenatal lifestyle interventions have been shown to positively affect maternal behaviors, gestational weight gain, and anthropometric outcomes in infants at birth. The influence of such interventions on child weight or growth beyond birth is unknown. We therefore examined the association between lifestyle interventions during pregnancy and anthropometric outcomes during childhood.MethodsA systematic literature search was conducted in three electronic databases, two clinical trial registers and further sources, without language or publication status restrictions. Additionally, 110 study authors were contacted to obtain unpublished data. Randomized controlled trials comparing any antenatal lifestyle or behavioral intervention to standard prenatal care, in women of any body mass index (BMI), with offspring anthropometric data at 1 month of age or older, were considered. Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane Collaboration’s updated tool. Data on weight, length, and BMI, and corresponding z-scores, were stratified into six age ranges and weighted mean differences (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated in univariate and multivariate random-effects meta-analytical models.ResultsTwenty trials comprising 11,385 women were included in this systematic review, of which 19 were combined in meta-analyses. Overall, lifestyle interventions during pregnancy were not associated with differences in weight, length, BMI, or corresponding z-scores, in children aged 1 month to 7 years (e.g. weight in 5 to 6 month old children, WMD: 0.02 kg; 95% CI: − 0.05 to 0.10 kg, I2 = 38%; 13 studies, 6667 participants). Findings remained consistent when studies were stratified by maternal baseline BMI or other risk factors, and intervention content and duration. Based on the GRADE criteria, the strength of the body of evidence was considered moderate.ConclusionPrenatal lifestyle interventions were not shown to influence childhood weight or growth. Nevertheless, women should be encouraged to pursue a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy. Further efforts to establish early prevention strategies for childhood obesity are urgently needed. Thus, large, high-quality studies with pre-planned, long-term follow-ups are warranted.Trial registrationPROSPERO CRD42018118678.

Longitudinal Assessment of Childhood Dietary Patterns: Associations with Body Mass Index z-Score among Children in the Samoan Ola Tuputupua'e (Growing Up) Cohort.

Background: Intervention strategies to prevent childhood obesity in the Pacific Islands encourage eating a variety of local and traditional foods, but context-specific data to support this approach are limited. The objective was to assess the association between 2-year adherence to modern and neotraditional dietary patterns and body mass index z-scores (BMIz) among Samoan children. Methods: A convenience sample of 214 Samoan biological mother-child dyads who participated in the Ola Tuputupua'e "Growing Up" cohort study in 2015 and 2017 was included. At each time point, modern and neotraditional dietary patterns were identified using food frequency data and factor analysis. Children were assigned to categories based on diet pattern adherence: consistently high, high to low, low to high, and consistently low. Associations between 2-year adherence to dietary patterns, BMIz (in 2017 and 2015-2017), and weight and height z-scores were examined using linear models adjusted for potential confounders. Results: Consistently high adherence to the modern pattern was associated with a 0.36 standard deviation (SD)-adjusted change in BMIz between 2015 and 2017 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.04-0.69, p = 0.03). While the estimates for the individual components of BMI were imprecise, on average, children with consistently high adherence to the modern pattern had a 0.13 SD greater change in weight z-score (95% CI: -0.10 to 0.37) and 0.15 SD lower change in height z-score (95% CI: -0.43 to 0.13). The change in BMIz between 2015 and 2017 did not significantly differ by adherence to the neotraditional pattern. Conclusion: A neotraditional dietary pattern, comprising local produce, should be encouraged as a possible childhood obesity prevention strategy in Samoa.

Ecological Factors and Strategies for Childhood Obesity Prevention Targeting Vulnerable Children: Using Community-Based Participatory Research

Purpose: This study aimed to explore ecological factors and strategies for childhood obesity prevention targeting vulnerable children using a community-based participatory research (CBPR) methodology. Methods: The CBPR was conducted by following basic process steps. Participants were 12 community stakeholders such as community child center directors (n=4), vulnerable children’s mothers (n=3), community health center officials (n=2), and lay health advisors (n=4); they were purposively sampled from K municipal county in Seoul, South Korea. The qualitative content analysis was performed to explore main themes of the ecological factors and strategies by using data obtained from 5 times of focus group interview. Results: Twelve ecological factors associated with childhood obesity prevention were identified: Intrapersonal factors including emotional overeating; interpersonal factors including permissive parenting style of children’s eating behaviors; organizational factors including social workers’ less educational opportunities; and community/policy factors including less government financial support. Four ecological strategies for childhood obesity prevention were addressed: Developing obesity prevention programs targeting vulnerable children’ lifestyles; promoting parents’ active participation in education; building healthy meal service environments through empowering social workers; and building supportive community environment and securing community resources for child obesity prevention. Conclusion: Our findings may be informative in terms of providing a comprehensive understanding of multi-level ecological barriers against vulnerable children’ obesity prevention and, moreover, guiding multi-level strategies for preventing childhood obesity targeting children enrolled in community child centers.

Food Advertising and Prevention of Childhood Obesity in Spain: Analysis of the Nutritional Value of the Products and Discursive Strategies Used in the Ads Most Viewed by Children from 2016 to 2018.

In Spain, 40% of children are overweight or obese. Television advertising is a widely acknowledged factor contributing to high-calorie food intake. This study longitudinally correlates some variables involved in childhood obesity prevention strategies in Spain. A mixed-methods approach was used. A quantitative analysis of audience data was conducted to determine the advertising campaigns most viewed by Spanish children from 2016 to 2018. The Nutri-score system was applied to determine the nutritional quality of the food advertised. A content analysis and a study of the discursive strategies used as an advertising ploy was undertaken. The results were examined in relation to the regulatory framework of the Spanish PAOS Code for the co-regulation of food advertising aimed at children. The study shows that Spanish advertising aimed at children mostly advertises very low nutritional value products. Moreover, these campaigns violate the PAOS Code in terms of the use of language in relation to the product, its benefits, and the appearance of popular characters. Our findings suggest a direct association between low nutritional value food ads and discursive strategies based on the intangible and extrinsic characteristics of these products. There remains the need for stricter legislation that takes into consideration the nutritional value of advertised foods and the language used in their hedonistic advertising.

A school-based, multi-faceted health promotion programme to prevent obesity among children: protocol of a cluster-randomised controlled trial (the DECIDE-Children study)

IntroductionObesity is a public health concern that is becoming increasingly more serious worldwide. Effective and sustainable childhood obesity prevention strategies may help to reduce the prevalence of obesity and may...

P84 Parent/Caregiver Perceptions of Youth Health Outcomes After Participating in the WeCook: Fun with Food and Fitness Program

Objective To assess whether adult involvement in a youth cooking intervention program resulted in improvements of adult perceptions of youth nutrition and activity knowledge and behaviors and family-related outcomes. A second objective was to examine adult responses for differences by income, food assistance use, and household size. Use of Theory or Research Many strategies for childhood obesity prevention have included experiential cooking programs involving parents in various ways. However, evidence is lacking on parent involvement, perceptions, and outcomes. Target Audience Fourth and 5th grade youth at two Title I elementary schools and their families. Program Description The WeCook: Fun with Food and Fitness program was a 12-week, out-of-school time food preparation, nutrition and physical activity program that also engaged families in a comprehensive, multifaceted approach. Evaluation Methods Pre- and post-surveys were administered to youth and their parent/caregiver. Sixty matched youth and adult surveys were included in the analysis. The program was a treatment-only design. Results Results demonstrated a significant increase in adults’ perceptions of their youth's ability to choose healthy snacks and be more active. Further analysis demonstrated significant differences between adult reported demographic characteristics. Lower income adults reported increased youth sedentary habits, adults using food assistance reported decreased family breakfast frequency, and adults with smaller household sizes reported decreased youth activity before school. Youth reported increases in their nutrition and physical activity knowledge, ability to choose healthy snacks, and consumption of sweets post-program. Adult and youth responses at post-assessment were positively correlated in the areas of healthy eating and activity behaviors, such as the perceived ability of youth to eat fruit and healthy snacks, choose water instead of sweetened beverages, and be active after school. Conclusions Further research is needed on adult and family outcomes from youth cooking programs to understand the adult and youth health relationship and encourage obesity prevention programs to increase their focus on the family component and associated assessments. Funding USDA.