N09009: Family centred, school based intervention for the prevention of obesity in primary school-aged children
Thursday 23 January 2003
This research project aims to develop a school based family intervention programme to prevent obesity in children under 10 years of age.
Background
This project aimed to develop a school based family intervention programme to prevent obesity in children under 10 years of age. This intervention was piloted in primary schools in the Oxford area on 120 children (including control group).
The objectives of the project were:
- To develop a family-centred, school-based intervention programme to prevent obesity in primary school aged children.
- To implement an intervention programme that is acceptable and appropriate for primary school aged children.
- To monitor and evaluate the programme in order to elect the most appropriate programme to prevent obesity in primary school aged children.
- To disseminate the most successful programme to prevent obesity in primary school aged children.
Research Approach
A total of 120 children, recruited from primary schools in Oxford, aged between 6 and 7 years, with no history of chronic illness or endocrine disorder, were randomly allocated, 30 to each of the four groups. The randomisation was stratified using gender and body mass index (BMI) as factors in stratification. The four study groups were:
Group 1: nutrition education and behavioural modification
Group 2: increased physical activity
Group 3: a combination of interventions 1 and 2
Group 4: control group
Assessments of anthropometry and physical fitness were made before the start of the interventions and then monthly throughout the programme. Assessments were made before the start of the interventions for nutritional knowledge, physical activity, and food intake. These measurements were repeated at the mid-point and end of the study.
Overweight was defined as >85th centile of BMI for age and sex and tricep skinfold thickness.
Results and findings
The aim of this pilot study was to determine the effectiveness of three interventions (nutrition education alone, physical activity alone or a combination of these two approaches) delivered as lunch time clubs in preventing obesity in primary school children.
The results of this pilot study showed the following:
- School based interventions appear to be a suitable model for primary school children.
- School based interventions appear to be acceptable to children, parents and teachers.
- There was an indication that fruit and vegetables intake increased in some children.
- A general improvement in nutrition knowledge in most children was observed.
- The time frame was not of sufficient length to see any anthropometric changes.
This study has provided important guidance for future approaches to promote healthier lifestyles.
Dissemination information
Final report is available from the FSA Library and Information centre. To obtain a copy, please contact the Enquiry Desk, Dr. Elsie Widdowson Library and Information Services, Food Standards Agency (020 7276 8181/8182 or at library&info@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk).
Publications
Warren J, Henry J, Livingstone B, Lightowler H, Bradshaw S & Perwaiz S. How well do children aged 5-7 years recall food eaten at school lunch? Public Health Nutrition Journal (in press).
Warren J, Henry J, Lightowler H, Bradshaw S & Perwaiz S Evaluation of a pilot school programme aimed at prevention of obesity in primary children. Submitted to International Health Promotion in May 2002.
Bradshaw S, Henry J, & Warren J. A qualitative and quantitative record of primary school children's lunches eaten at school (in preparation).
Warren J, Henry J, Lightowler H, Bradshaw S & Perwaiz S 'Patterns of physical activity in a cohort of children aged 5-7 years' (in preparation).
Contact: Jenny Woolfe
Tel: 020 7276 8914 (Intl. +44 (0) 20 7276 8914)
Email: jenny.woolfe@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk