ARS | Publication request: Effects of a school-based pediatric obesity prevention program

Submitted to: Journal of Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: April 6, 2010
Publication Date: April 6, 2010
Citation: Palcic, J.L., Johnston, C.A., El-Mubasher, A., Deborah, W.L., Foreyt, J.P. 2010. Effects of a school-based pediatric obesity prevention program [abstract]. Journal of Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology. 24:731.4.

Technical Abstract: The purpose of this study was to evaluate a school-based pediatric obesity program for elementary children. Children (n = 782) were between the ages of 7 and 9 and in the 2nd grade. A total of 323 (189 males) children who exceeded the 85th percentile for BMI were randomized into an integrated health curriculum (IHC) or treatment as usual (TAU) condition. The IHC condition (n= 187) received nutrition education that included lifestyle change techniques provided by their classroom teacher. The teacher was provided with a trained instructor to assist with the integration of health materials into their classes. The TAU condition (n= 136) received a typical health and physical education class. Repeated Measures ANOVA was used to evaluate weight changes between the groups using standardized BMIs from baseline to 2 years. Children in the IHC condition significantly reduced their BMI z-score when compared to the children in the TAU condition as demonstrated by a significant time by condition interaction effect (F = 8.08, p = .005). This study suggests that an integrated health program supported by trained professionals is a promising approach for school-based pediatric obesity prevention.