Effects of school-based “We Fit” weight control programme in adolescents

Abstract

Aim: This study examined the effects of a 12-week school-based “We Fit” weight control programme. Design: A nonequivalent control group was used, with a non-synchronized pretest–posttest design. Methods: In total, 109 Korean high school adolescents participated. The programme comprised exergaming, diet diary and counselling, health education, and social networking service-based group discussions. Anthropometric factors, physiological factors and physical activity (daily steps and sitting time) were measured in the intervention and the control groups before and after the intervention. Programme satisfaction was assessed post-intervention. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics; the chi-square, Mann–Whitney U and t tests; and generalized estimating equations. Results: The intervention group showed a significantly decreased waist circumference, increased skeletal muscle mass, increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, decreased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and reduced weekend sitting time. Conclusion: This study adds to the evidence for the applicability and effectiveness of healthy weight control programmes using exergames for adolescents in school settings.