Randomised controlled trial of primary school based intervention to reduce risk factors for obesity.
OBJECTIVE
To assess if a school based intervention was effective in reducing risk factors for obesity.


METHODS
Group randomised controlled trial.


METHODS
10 primary schools in Leeds.


METHODS
634 children aged 7-11 years.


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


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Sahota
P
P
School of Health Sciences, Leeds Metropolitan University.
Rudolf
M C
MC
Dixey
R
R
Hill
A J
AJ
Barth
J H
JH
Cade
J
J
D015992:Body Mass Index; D002648:Child; D053198:Child Nutrition Sciences / Q000193:education; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004032:Diet; D004739:England; D015444:Exercise; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006128:Growth; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012307:Risk Factors; D012572:School Health Services; D014675:Vegetables