scholarly journals Waist Circumference and Healthy Lifestyle Preferences/Knowledge Monitoring in a Preschool Obesity Prevention Program

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 2139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Poeta ◽  
Rossella Lamberti ◽  
Dario Di Salvio ◽  
Grazia Massa ◽  
Nives Torsiello ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Waist Circumference ◽  
Obesity Prevention ◽  
Prevention Program ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Visceral Obesity ◽  
Normal Weight ◽  
Preschool Age ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Healthy Behaviors

Weight and body mass index (BMI) changes appear to be poor measures for assessing the success of most pediatric obesity prevention programs (POPP). The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the preschool-age prevention program (3P) in improving and maintaining overtime preschoolers’ knowledge/preferences about healthy nutrition and physical activity (PA), and the relationship between acquired healthy behaviors and anthropometrics including waist circumference (WC). Twenty-five preschoolers underwent a 24-month healthy lifestyle multi-component pilot intervention followed by a one-year wash-out period; 25 age-matched served as controls. Anthropometric/behavioral data were monitored. After the 2-year study and wash-out, the rates of children overweight and with obesity decreased only in the intervention group, where, also, normal-weight children with visceral obesity attained WC normal values (p = 0.048). While mean values of BMI Z-scores remained unchanged in both the intervention and control groups, WC (values and percentiles) showed a significant reduction only in the intervention group. Children’s adherence to the Mediterranean diet remained acceptable among the entire sample. Although daily sweet beverage consumption remained unchanged in both groups, knowledge/preferences improved significantly more in the intervention group. In conclusion, WC may be more sensitive than BMI for monitoring preschoolers in POPP and reflects healthy behavioral changes acquired during the intervention.

scholarly journals "Pause-2-Play": a pilot schoolbased obesity prevention program

2010 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 303-311
Author(s):  
Gregory Killough ◽  
Danielle Battram ◽  
Joanne Kurtz ◽  
Gillian Mandich ◽  
Laura Francis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Composition ◽  
Obesity Prevention ◽  
Prevention Program ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Normal Weight ◽  
Fat Free Mass ◽  
Overweight Children ◽  
School Students ◽  
Fitness Level ◽  
Obesity Prevention Program

OBJECTIVES: "Pause-2-Play" is an obesity prevention program targeting screen-related sedentary behaviours and increasing physical activity among elementary school students. The program consisted of a Behavioural Modification Curriculum and a Health Promoting Afterschool Program. This pilot study reports program feasibility, practicability, and impact. METHODS: the 12-week pilot program was implemented with 32 grade five and six students. Program feasibility and practicability were assessed using a qualitative approach. Intervention effects were assessed by comparing pre-post changes in BMI, body composition, fitness scores, screen time, and cognitive variables related to screening viewing behaviours. RESULTS: "Pause-2-Play" was perceived as a useful, fun program with numerous benefits including: children trying new snacks, feeling fitter and better about one's own body shape, and becoming more aware of a healthy lifestyle. The intervention resulted in a statistically significant reduction in percent body fat and an increase in fat-free mass index in overweight children; a decrease in waist circumference and an increase in fat-free mass index were observed in normal weight children. The intervention also statistically improved fitness scores in both normal weight and overweight children. CONCLUSIONS: "Pause-2-Play" was feasible, practical, and favourably changed body composition and fitness level.

scholarly journals Attitudes of Jordanian Adolescent Students Toward Overweight and Obesity

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nesrin N. Abu Baker ◽  
Nahla Al-Ali ◽  
Ranyah Al-Ajlouni
Keyword(s):  
Obesity Prevention ◽  
Prevention Program ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Healthy Behaviors ◽  
Adolescent Students ◽  
Positive Attitudes

Background: Obesity is a serious public health problem especially among adolescents. Understanding adolescents’ attitudes toward obesity and healthy lifestyle is a crucial step to develop effective health programs to treat and prevent obesity. Objectives: To examine the attitudes toward overweight and obesity among Jordanian adolescent students and to identify the components of obesity prevention program that the students perceive as important. Methods: A sample of 1000 students in 8th to 10th grades was randomly selected from 16 schools in Irbid, Jordan. A self-reported questionnaire including attitude related questions was used in a descriptive, cross-sectional study. Results: Generally, the students expressed positive attitudes toward obesity; which means that their attitudes were consistent with societal norms in terms of health and social functioning (mean= 3.5, SD=0.39). Furthermore, the students expressed positive attitudes toward lifestyle; which means that their attitudes were consistent with healthy behaviors (mean=3.7, SD=0.58). However, boys had significantly more positive attitudes than girls (p=0.04). The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 23.8%, while obese and non-obese students had similar attitudes toward lifestyle and obesity. Finally, around 20% to 30% of students desired a prevention program out of school time shared with their families and friends and involves eating healthy food and getting more exercise. Conclusion: More efforts are needed to build effective obesity prevention programs that focus on eating healthy diet and getting more exercise considering gender differences.

Evaluating the Wizards of Motion Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Module

2017 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
pp. 350-358
Author(s):  
William J. Montelpare ◽  
Moira N. McPherson ◽  
Kimberly Boardman ◽  
Carlos E. Zerpa
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Disease Prevention ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease Prevention ◽  
Lifestyle Behaviors ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Healthy Behaviors ◽  
Knowledge And Attitudes ◽  
Grade 5

This study evaluated the level of change in students’ knowledge of and attitudes toward healthy lifestyle behaviors and prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) following implementation of a Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Module in Grade 5 science classes. Two classes of students ( n1 = 39) were identified as the intervention group and two classes ( n2 = 31) were designated as controls. The intervention group participated in the module initially, whereas the control groups participated after the data collection was completed. A two-group, pre–post comparison design was used to evaluate results on both a knowledge test and an attitude questionnaire. The results indicated that although both the intervention and the control groups began with similar knowledge and attitudes toward CVD and healthy behaviors, the intervention group demonstrated an improved level of knowledge and attitudes. Further research is needed to determine whether this CVD module could provide a sustained impact on adoption of healthy behaviors among adolescents.

Feasibility of an Individualized, Home-Based Obesity Prevention Program for Preschool-Age Children

2013 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 134-152 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina Koulouglioti ◽  
Robert Cole ◽  
Brenda McQuillan ◽  
Marian Moskow ◽  
Julie Kueppers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Obesity Prevention ◽  
Prevention Program ◽  
Preschool Age ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Preschool Age Children ◽  
Obesity Prevention Program

Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Kids Living Fit™Program: A Comparative Study

2007 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
pp. 329-336 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen Gabel Speroni ◽  
Cynthia Earley ◽  
Martin Atherton
Keyword(s):  
Waist Circumference ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
After School Programs ◽  
After School ◽  
Lifestyle Choices ◽  
After School Program ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Contrast Group

After-school programs can be implemented by school nurses to facilitate healthy lifestyle choices in children with the goal of decreasing obesity. Kids Living Fit™(KLF), an after-school program designed by community hospital nurses, was implemented in elementary schools and focused on best lifestyle choices regarding foods consumed and activities chosen for children in grades 2 through 5. Study measures included comparison of body mass index (BMI) percentiles for age and gender and waist circumference between two self-selected groups composing a total sample size of 185 participants: the KLF intervention group ( n =80) and the no-intervention/ contrast group ( n =105). The 12-week intervention included a weekly fitness program and monthly dietitian presentations. Participants completed food and activity diaries and wore pedometers. In pairwise comparisons, the KLF group had a significant decrease in BMI percentile between baseline and follow-up (−2.3%) compared with the contrast group. The KLF group also demonstrated a smaller increase in waist circumference than the contrast group.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of a combined obesity prevention program in South Korea for children from low-income families that included primary caregiver participation

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 211-224
Author(s):  
Namhee Park ◽  
Mihae Im
Keyword(s):  
Obesity Prevention ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Prevention Program ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Primary Caregivers ◽  
Primary Caregiver ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Low Income Families ◽  
Obesity Prevention Program

Purpose: Obesity among children from low-income families is becoming a social problem. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an obesity prevention program that included physical activity, nutrition education, behavioral modification, and primary caregiver participation components among children from low-income families.Methods: The study analyzed a nonequivalent control group using a pretest-posttest design. A total of 77 children were recruited from six community childcare centers using purposive sampling. For the intervention group (n=40), the pretest was administered before the combined intervention program involving the participants' primary caregivers was conducted for 8 weeks. The posttest was conducted immediately after the program and again four weeks after the program.Results: Flexibility (F=4.64, p=.020), muscular endurance (F=11.22, p<.001), nutritional knowledge scores (F=4.79, p=.010), body image satisfaction scores (F=4.74, p=.012), and self-esteem scores (F=3.81, p=.029) showed significant differences and interactions between group and time for the intervention and control groups.Conclusion: Strategies to actively engage the primary caregivers of low-income families in children's obesity programs are needed. Obesity prevention programs for children based on the program in this study should be routinely developed, and continuing attention should be given to children from low-income families.

Intervention Script for Six-Session Project Health Obesity Prevention Program

2012 ◽  
pp. 181-220
Author(s):  
Eric Stice ◽  
Paul Rohde ◽  
Heather Shaw
Keyword(s):  
Obesity Prevention ◽  
Prevention Program ◽  
Fast Food ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Healthy Diet ◽  
Voluntary Commitment ◽  
Writing Exercises ◽  
Obesity Prevention Program

Chapter 12 provides the script for Project Health, which uses dissonance and persuasion principles to get people to make small, gradual changes toward a healthy lifestyle. Each session starts with a voluntary commitment to participate. Sessions include discussions of society's promotion of overeating through fast food and marketing, the costs of obesity, and the importance of a healthy diet. Each session includes a section where each participant is asked to commit to making or maintaining small healthy changes to their diet and activity level, which are gradually increased each week; progress in making these healthy changes are shared with the group. Role-plays and writing exercises are incorporated into each session to get participants to adopt a healthy lifestyle stance, and confront pressures from their peers and family that arise.

scholarly journals A Stronger Effect of Body Mass Index and Waist Circumference on the Prevalence of Uncontrolled Hypertension among Caucasian Men than Women

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Anna Chudek ◽  
Aleksander Jerzy Owczarek ◽  
Joanna Ficek ◽  
Magdalena Olszanecka-Glinianowicz ◽  
Katarzyna Wieczorowska-Tobis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Waist Circumference ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Antihypertensive Drugs ◽  
International Diabetes Federation ◽  
Visceral Obesity ◽  
Fat Distribution ◽  
Uncontrolled Hypertension ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Caucasian Men ◽  
Antihypertension Therapy

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Gender-related differences in fat distribution may affect blood pressure (BP) control in hypertensive subjects. The aim of the study was to assess how body mass (BM), BMI, and waist circumference (WC) influence the effectiveness of antihypertension therapy in hypertensive men and women in daily clinical practice. <b><i>Patients and Methods:</i></b> The observational study involved 12,289 adult hypertensive Caucasians (6,163 women) declaring regular use of antihypertensive drugs. BP control was scored based on the mean values of 2 attended office BP measurements. WC thresholds for visceral obesity were adopted from definitions of the International Diabetes Federation (≥94/80 cm for men/women) and National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (≥102/88 cm for men/women). Stepwise backward multivariable logistic regression was used to analyse correlates of the effectiveness of hypertension therapy. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The predictive value of BMI ≥30 (for uncontrolled hypertension) was stronger than that of visceral obesity, regardless of the criteria used. In men, BP control rapidly deteriorated with BMI (odds ratio [OR] up to 8.58 [95% CI: 5.74–12.83]) and WC (OR up to 5.09 [3.84–6.74]), while in women, the association was more flattened (OR up to 3.63 [2.78–4.74] and 1.93 [1.59–2.35], respectively). However, the highest risk of uncontrolled BP occurred in women with BM ≥110 kg (OR = 10.47 [5.05–21.71]) and men with BM ≥125 kg (OR = 9.66 [5.86–15.94]). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> (1) Obesity and visceral obesity limit the effectiveness of antihypertension therapy more in men than in women. (2) This phenomenon should be taken into account in the prescription of adequate doses of antihypertensive drugs.

scholarly journals Effects of the Healthy Children, Healthy Families, Healthy Communities Program for Obesity Prevention among Vulnerable Children: A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (8) ◽  
pp. 2895
Author(s):  
Jina Choo ◽  
Hwa-Mi Yang ◽  
Sae-Young Jae ◽  
Hye-Jin Kim ◽  
Jihyun You ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Obesity Prevention ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Healthy Children ◽  
Lifestyle Behaviors ◽  
Vulnerable Children ◽  
Obesity Status ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors ◽  
Multi Level

Background: We aimed to examine whether the Healthy Children, Healthy Families, and Healthy Communities Program, consisting of multi-level strategies for obesity prevention tailoring the context of socioeconomically vulnerable children based on an ecological perspective, would be effective on improving their healthy lifestyle behaviors and obesity status. Methods: Participants were 104 children (and 59 parents) enrolled in public welfare systems in Seoul, South Korea. Based on a cluster-randomized controlled trial (no. ISRCTN11347525), eight centers were randomly assigned to intervention (four centers, 49 children, 27 parents) versus control groups (four centers, 55 children, 32 parents). Multi-level interventions of child-, parent-, and center-level strategies were conducted for 12 weeks. Children’s healthy lifestyle behaviors and obesity status were assessed as daily recommended levels and body mass index ≥85th percentile, respectively. Parents’ parenting behaviors were measured by the Family Nutrition and Physical Activity scale. Results: Compared to the control group, the intervention group showed significant improvements in total composite scores of healthy-lifestyle behaviors—including 60-min of moderate physical activity—but not in obesity status among children. Moreover, the intervention group showed significant improvements in parenting behaviors among parents. Conclusion: The multi-level strategies for obesity prevention based on an ecological perspective may be effective for promoting healthy lifestyles among socioeconomically vulnerable children.

scholarly journals Increasing Latino Parents’ Verbal Interactions with Their Preschool-Aged Children

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabina Gesell ◽  
Dan Wallace ◽  
Tommaso Tempesti ◽  
Vanessa Hux ◽  
Shari Barkin
Keyword(s):  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Native Language ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Preschool Age ◽  
Dialogic Reading ◽  
Immigrant Parents ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Academic Achievement Gap ◽  
Verbal Interactions

The rapidly growing Hispanic American population is experiencing an academic achievement gap that seems to be rooted in disparities in early childhood education and literacy development. Children of non-English-speaking immigrant parents are at greatest risk of poor school performance, but there is potential to capitalize on immigrants’ drive by encouraging them to engage with their children in dialog while reading native-language storybooks. This paper reports on a community-based randomized controlled trial () delivered to mostly Mexican immigrant parents of preschool-age children. Intervention group parents attended three monthly 60-minute sessions based on the Dialogic Reading Model—C.A.R. (Comment and Wait, Ask Questions and Wait, and Respond by Adding More), which teaches parents to have a conversation about pictures in books, with the goal of enhancing verbal exchanges with the child in the parent’s native language. After the 3-month intervention, parents in the bilingual early language development intervention reported placing greater value on children’s active verbal participation in reading compared to control group parents who participated in a healthy lifestyle intervention. These results suggest that Hispanics’ educational outcomes may be improved by educating parents on the value of playful conversations with young children while reading books in one’s native language.

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