Impact of a School‐Based Pediatric Obesity Prevention Program Facilitated by Health Professionals

• DOI: 10.1111/josh.12013
• Publication Date: 2013-01-24T12:20:43Z
• Authors: Craig A. Johnston; Jennette P. Moreno; Abeer El‐Mubasher; Martina Gallagher; Chermaine Tyler; Deborah Woehler
• Keywords: Underweight

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND This study evaluated a school‐based obesity intervention for elementary school children (N = 835) where health professionals assisted teachers with the integration of healthy messages into curriculum. METHODS Schools were randomized professional‐facilitated ( PFI ; N 4) or self‐help SH 3) condition. Changes in weight‐based outcomes assessed students enrolled second grade from all 7 schools (overall: 835 students; : 509 students, 326 students). Students between ages and 9 diverse ethnic backgrounds (Asian 25.3%, Black 23.3%, Hispanic 23.1%, White 28.3%). The sample included 321 overweight/obese BMI ≥ 85th percentile), 477 normal‐weight 5th percentile <85th 37 underweight < percentile) students. RESULTS After 2 years, who condition significantly reduced their standardized z BMI) compared to (Wald χ 28.7, p .001). End‐of‐year grades decreased both conditions; however, exhibited smaller decrease 80.3, CONCLUSION results indicate that an prevention program assist by integrating existing curriculum was effective reducing