It's All About Kids: Preventing Overweight in Elementary School Children in Tulsa, Oklahoma

Abstract

Controlled trial in twenty 4th grade classrooms in 10 schools. Compared changes in mean KAB scores, CATCH scores, FitnessGram measures, and BMI z-scores between intervention and control schools using repeated measures ANOVA, and controlling for gender. Significant health improvements were achieved by nutrition classes and increased physical activity in elementary schools. - Positive changes in knowledge and behavioral intent - Lower consumption of saturated fat and sodium - Positive changes in fitness BMI z-scores decreased 18.7% from a mean of .8370 to a mean of .6805 among 20 measured intervention students. More reinforcement over time may be needed to sustain the level of improvement in some areas. These results support a broader program implementation.