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School-based obesity prevention in Chilean primary school children: methodology and evaluation of a controlled study

International Journal of Obesity volume 28, pages 483–493 (2004)Cite this article

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:To assess the impact of a 6 months nutrition education and physical activity intervention on primary school children through changes in adiposity and physical fitness.

DESIGN: Longitudinal school-based controlled evaluation study.

SUBJECTS: Children from 1st to 8th grade, 2141 in intervention and 945 in control schools.

INTERVENTION: Nutrition education for children and parents, ‘healthier’ kiosks, 90 min of additional physical activity (PA) weekly, behavioral PA program and active recess.

MEASUREMENTS: Adiposity indices (BMI, BMI Z-score, triceps skinfold thickness (TSF), waist circumference and physical fitness (20 m shuttle run test and lower back flexibility).

RESULTS: Positive effect on adiposity indices (except TSF) was observed in boys (P<0.001 for BMI Z), while both physical fitness parameters increased significantly in both boys (P<0.001 for each test) and girls (P<0.0001 for each test). A differential effect in BMI Z was observed according to baseline nutritional status.

CONCLUSIONS: This intervention showed a robust effect on physical fitness in both genders and decreased adiposity only in boys.

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Acknowledgements

This study was supported by the Chilean Ministry of Education, Chile Deportes (Government Sports Promotion Agency) and an unrestricted grant from Córpora Tresmontes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology (INTA), University of Chile, Santiago, Casilla, 138-11, Santiago, Chile

    J Kain, R Uauy,  Albala, F Vio, R Cerda & B Leyton

  2. Public Health Nutrition, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK

    R Uauy

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  1. J Kain
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  3. Albala
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Correspondence to J Kain.

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Kain, J., Uauy, R., Albala et al. School-based obesity prevention in Chilean primary school children: methodology and evaluation of a controlled study. Int J Obes 28, 483–493 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijo.0802611

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