Randomised controlled trial of primary school based intervention to reduce risk factors for obesity

Abstrak / Ringkasan

OBJECTIVE: To assess if a school based intervention was
effective in reducing risk factors for obesity.


DESIGN: Group randomised controlled trial.


SETTING: 10 primary schools in Leeds.


PARTICIPANTS: 634 children aged 7­-11 years.


INTERVENTION: Teacher training, modification of school
meals, and the development of school action plans
targeting the curriculum, physical education, tuck
shops, and playground activities.


MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Body mass index, diet,
physical activity, and psychological state.


RESULTS: Vegetable consumption by 24 hour recall was
higher in children in the intervention group than the
control group (weighted mean difference 0.3
portions/day, 95% confidence interval 0.2 to 0.4),
representing a difference equivalent to 50% of
baseline consumption. Fruit consumption was lower
in obese children in the intervention group ( - 1.0,
- 1.8 to - 0.2) than those in the control group. The
three day diary showed higher consumption of high
sugar foods (0.8, 0.1 to 1.6)) among overweight
children in the intervention group than the control
group. Sedentary behaviour was higher in overweight
children in the intervention group (0.3, 0.0 to 0.7).
Global self worth was higher in obese children in the
intervention group (0.3, 0.3 to 0.6). There was no
difference in body mass index, other psychological
measures, or dieting behaviour between the groups.
Focus groups indicated higher levels of self reported
behaviour change, understanding, and knowledge
among children who had received the intervention.


CONCLUSION: Although it was successful in producing
changes at school level, the programme had little
effect on children's behaviour other than a modest
increase in consumption of vegetables.

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