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


METHODS
Longitudinal school-based controlled evaluation study.


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


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


METHODS
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.
Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology (INTA), University of Chile, Santiago, Casilla 138-11, Santiago, Chile. jkain@inta.cl
J
J
Kain
R
R
Uauy
Albala
F
F
Vio
R
R
Cerda
B
B
Leyton
D000886:Anthropometry; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002648:Child; D053198:Child Nutrition Sciences / Q000193:education; D002677:Chile; D004032:Diet; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010806:Physical Education and Training; D010809:Physical Fitness; D012574:Schools