The Effectiveness of School-Based Nutritional Education Program among Obese Adolescents : A Randomized Controlled Study

Abstract EN

The purpose of the study was to determine the change in body weight and body mass index (BMI), as well as diet behaviors at 4 months after intervention between obese adolescent girls who participated in the school-based nutritional education program, addressed by pediatrician, compared to those who attended regular nutritional class.

Methods.

49 obese girls were recruited from a secondary school.

Those, were randomized into 2 groups of intervention and control.

The intensive interactive nutritional program was provided to the intervention group.

Weight and height, dietary record and % fat consumption, as well as self-administered questionnaires on healthy diet attitudes were collected at baseline and 4-month follow-up, and then compared between two groups.

Results.

There was a statistically significant change of BMI in the intervention group by 0.53±1.16 kg/m2 (P=0.016) compared to the control group (0.51±1.57 kg/m2, P=0.063) but no significant change in calorie and % fat consumption between groups.

The attitudes on healthy eating behaviors in the intervention group were shown improving significantly (P<0.001).

Conclusions.

Interactive and intensive nutritional education program as shown in the study was one of the most successful school-based interventions for obese adolescents.