A school-based intervention for obesity prevention and management: Effectiveness and determinants of its success. The Feel4Diabetes study

Abstract

Background: Curbing the rise in overweight and obesity in childhood is of top priority in the public health agenda. Objective: To examine the effectiveness of a 2-year school-based intervention on children's body mass index (BMI) z-score, considering children's baseline weight status, as well as to identify socio-demographic factors that could predict a positive weight outcome. Methods: Data were collected from 9255 children 5–12 years, from six European countries, participating in the Feel4Diabetes study. The intervention group received a lifestyle intervention, aiming to promote a healthy and active lifestyle. Children's anthropometrics were measured at baseline and 2-year follow-up. Results: Children with overweight, but not with obesity, at baseline randomized in the intervention group had a higher reduction in BMI z-scores compared to the control group. In logistic regression models, older age, female sex, overweight or obesity increased the likelihood of any decrease in BMI z-score in the intervention group. Mother's obesity and a lower family income were associated with a decreased probability of a positive weight outcome from the intervention. Conclusions: The Feel4Diabetes school-based intervention demonstrated that it could effectively improve the BMI z-score among children with overweight, but not with obesity. Family's characteristics (mother's weight and family income) may affect the effectiveness of such interventions and should be considered in relevant public health efforts.