Body mass effects of a physical activity and healthy food intervention in middle schools.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effects of a 2-year middle school physical activity and healthy food intervention, including an environmental and computer-tailored component on BMI and BMI z-score in boys and girls.


METHODS
A random sample of 15 schools with seventh and eighth graders was randomly assigned to three conditions: an intervention with parental support group, an intervention-alone group, and a control group. Weight and height were measured at the beginning and end of each school year to assess BMI and BMI z-score. A physical activity and healthy food program was implemented over 2 school years.


RESULTS
In girls, BMI and BMI z-score increased significantly less in the intervention with parental support group compared with the control group (p < 0.05) or the intervention-alone group (p = 0.05). In boys, no significant positive intervention effects were found.


CONCLUSIONS
This was the first study evaluating the effectiveness of an intervention combining environmental changes with personal computer-tailored feedback on BMI and BMI z-score in middle school children. After 2 school years, BMI and BMI z-score changed in a more positive direction in girls as a result of the intervention with parental support.
Haerens
Leen
L
Department of Movement and Sports Sciences, Ghent University, Belgium. Leen.Haerens@UGent.be
Deforche
Benedicte
B
Maes
Lea
L
Stevens
Veerle
V
Cardon
Greet
G
De Bourdeaudhuij
Ilse
I
D000293:Adolescent; D001827:Body Height / Q000502:physiology; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight / Q000502:physiology; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D004032:Diet; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010806:Physical Education and Training / Q000379:methods; D012574:Schools / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012737:Sex Factors; D013334:Students / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome