Impact of a ‘School-Based’ Nutrition Intervention on Anthropometric Parameters and the Metabolic Syndrome in Spanish Adolescents

Abstract

Background/Aims: In adolescents, overweight and obesity are associated with an increased cardiovascular risk. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of a school-based nutritional education program (NEP) on lifestyle changes in Spanish adolescents. Methods: We selected 263 secondary school students (127 males) aged 12–16 years from Granada (Spain), who were followed up throughout 1 school year (2009–2010). At the beginning and end of the school year, data were gathered on the food consumption frequency, and anthropometric and biochemical profile. The NEP comprised a class on nutritional recommendations every 15 days, and administration of a daily breakfast of 275–350 kcal. Results: After the intervention, the prevalence of overweight and obesity decreased among both male and female students (p < 0.001) and there was also a global reduction in the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (MS) from 32.2 to 19.7% (p < 0.001); in addition, body mass index was significantly decreased in normal weight, overweight and obesity groups (p = 0.001 and p = 0.02, respectively), and high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol and lean body mass was increased in all groups (p = 0.001). Conclusion: The NEP achieved a medium-term reduction in the prevalence of overweight and obesity and had a significant and positive effect on MS components in all groups.

Systematic Review of School‐Based Interventions to Modify Dietary Behavior: Does Intervention Intensity Impact Effectiveness?

“…Table presents the intensity evaluation of studies aiming to modify behavior across different nutrition categories. Interventions in each category were highly effective: fruit and vegetable (N = 33; effective N = 27, ineffective N = 4, unknown effectiveness N = 2), general healthy eating (N = 53; effective N = 41, ineffective N = 10, unknown effectiveness N = 2), single food or food group (N = 12; effective N = 8, ineffective N = 3, unknown effectiveness N = 1), and single nutrient (N = 7; effective N = 5, ineffective N = 1, unknown effectiveness N = 1). Comparing the frequency of effective studies in different categories showed that the mean frequency of interventions in the single food or food group category was significantly higher than for the general healthy eating category (ANOVA p = .04, Tukey's post hoc test p = .03).…”

Theory‐informed nutrition education curriculum Tools For Feeling Good promotes healthy eating patterns among fifth grade pupils: cross‐sectional study

“…School is an excellent arena for health promotion and nutrition education because it reaches practically all children and adolescents. Several school‐based health promotion interventions have been conducted with varying results . Many earlier interventions relied on providing information (i.e.…”

“…Many earlier interventions relied on providing information (i.e. lectures) to increase knowledge of health‐promoting eating patterns . In addition, functional curricula, book‐ or web‐based practices, farm visits, cooking, taste lessons and sensory education have been used .…”

“…lectures) to increase knowledge of health‐promoting eating patterns . In addition, functional curricula, book‐ or web‐based practices, farm visits, cooking, taste lessons and sensory education have been used . Several previously conducted interventions have succeeded in increasing the consumption of vegetables or reducing being overweight , whereas others have been unsuccessful in promoting changes in eating patterns .…”

“…In addition, functional curricula, book‐ or web‐based practices, farm visits, cooking, taste lessons and sensory education have been used . Several previously conducted interventions have succeeded in increasing the consumption of vegetables or reducing being overweight , whereas others have been unsuccessful in promoting changes in eating patterns . Interestingly, interventions using a solely weight‐centred approach have been shown to potentially have a negative impact, contributing to increased body dissatisfaction, dieting or even disordered eating .…”