School‐based interventions promoting both physical activity and healthy eating in Europe: a systematic review within the HOPE project

Abstract

It is the purpose of this study to systematically review the evidence of school-based interventions targeting dietary and physical activity behaviour in primary (6-12 years old) and secondary school (12-18 years old) children in Europe. Eleven studies (reported in 27 articles) met the inclusion criteria, six in primary school and five in secondary school children. Interventions were evaluated in terms of behavioural determinants, behaviour (diet and physical activity) and weight-related outcomes (body mass index [BMI] or other indicators of obesity). The results suggest that combining educational and environmental components that focus on both sides of the energy balance give better and more relevant effects. Furthermore, computer-tailored personalized education in the classroom showed better results than a generic classroom curriculum. Environmental interventions might include organized physical activities during breaks, or before and after school; improved availability of physical activity opportunities in and around the school environment; increased physical education lesson time; improved availability or accessibility of healthy food options; and restricted availability and accessibility of unhealthy food options. More high-quality studies are needed to assess obesity-related interventions in Europe.

Assessment of evaluations made to healthy eating policies in Europe: a review within the EATWELL Project

“…Nutrition education in schools can be successful in promoting awareness and generating healthy habits such as snacking with fruit, as the Italian CDM reported. Such a programme would not have been possible without parents' involvement and their awareness of the importance of nutrition education (20,51) . Furthermore, this exemplifies the need for strategic alliances between concerned actors and stakeholders in carrying out the task of promoting healthy eating which would yield better academic performance and long-term health (35,(48)(49)(50) .…”

“…The information on the policy interventions was gathered from governmental websites, through general search in databases and peer-reviewed journals, by personal contacts with national public servants and in direct consultation with policy makers. In addition, previous reviews and EU-funded projects were also consulted (4,12,(20)(21)(22)(23)(24) . Policies were classified into two main branches (25) : (i) policies that support more informed choice, with subcategories of advertising controls, public information campaigns, nutrition education, nutritional labelling and nutritional information on menus; and (ii) policies that intended a change of the market environment, with possible categories of fiscal measures, regulation of meals, nutritionrelated standards (e.g.…”

Physical activity and dietary intake of children aged 9–11 years and the influence of peers on these behaviours: a 1-year follow-up

“…The findings of a relationship between physical activity and peer influence has been found elsewhere (Taylor et al, 1994;Springer et al, 2006) and supports the notion that to help reduce the risk of health complications, physical activity not only needs to be promoted to all children during late childhood, but also requires peers to be incorporated in this process. In addition, children need to be engaged in cross-curricular educational programmes that encourage physical activity and healthy food choices from an early age (De Bourdeaudhuij et al, 2010).…”

Process evaluation of a school-based overweight and obesity screening strategy in adolescents

“…The Ottawa Charter provides a framework for health promotion measures focussing on five activities, of which three are relevant here: development of personal skills, creation of supportive environments, and reorientation of health services (4). The contribution of each to overweight and obesity prevention alone and in combination has not been extensively explored, and results published to date have been discrepant (5)(6)(7)(8).…”