Weight Status Determines the Impact of a School-Based Nutrition Education Intervention on Lifestyle Behaviors in Children

Miguel-Berges, María L. ; Larruy-García, Alicia (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; De Miguel-Etayo, Pilar (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Jimeno-Martinez, Andrea ; Torres, Antonio ; Moreno, Luis A. (Universidad de Zaragoza)

Resumen: Background/Objectives: This study investigated the impact of the FLUYE school-based intervention on children’s lifestyle behaviors, Mediterranean diet adherence, and emotional well-being in Spain. The objective was to promote healthy habits through nutrition education, physical activity, and emotional support within the school environment, with a focus on addressing the needs of both normal-weight and overweight/obese children. Methods: A total of 552 children aged 3 to 12 years participated in the study, with data collected at baseline (T0) and follow-up (T1). The intervention was designed to integrate health education into the school curriculum, emphasizing the development of personal competencies in diet, physical activity, and emotional well-being. The analysis included changes in dietary habits, screen time, physical activity, and psychosocial outcomes, with comparisons made between the normal-weight and overweight/obese groups. Results: Significant improvements were observed in water consumption and reductions in sugar-sweetened beverage intake across both weight groups. However, an increase in screen time, particularly among normal-weight children, highlighted ongoing challenges in reducing sedentary behavior. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet improved more significantly in the overweight/obese group, suggesting the program’s effectiveness in promoting healthier eating patterns among at-risk children. Emotional well-being and self-esteem also saw significant enhancements, with children reporting increased feelings of pride and positivity post-intervention. Conclusions: The FLUYE program effectively improved various aspects of children’s lifestyle behaviors, particularly in dietary habits and emotional well-being. These findings underscore the importance of comprehensive, school-based interventions that address both physical and psychosocial aspects of health, especially for children at higher risk for obesity.

Idioma: Inglés

DOI: 10.3390/children11091093

Año: 2024

Publicado en: Children 11, 9 (2024), 1093 [14 pp.]
ISSN: 2227-9067

Factor impacto JCR: 2.1 (2024)

Categ. JCR: PEDIATRICS rank: 61 / 191 = 0.319 (2024) - Q2 - T1

Factor impacto CITESCORE: 3.8 - Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health (Q2)

Factor impacto SCIMAGO: 0.674 - Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health (Q2)

Tipo y forma: Article (Published version)

Área (Departamento): Área Enfermería (Dpto. Fisiatría y Enfermería)
Área (Departamento): Área Medic.Prevent.Salud Públ. (Dpto. Microb.Ped.Radio.Sal.Pú.)