Environmental interventions for eating and physical activity: a randomized controlled trial in middle schools

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Behavioral Science
• School Health Programs

Background:

• Middle school students face challenges in maintaining healthy physical activity levels and dietary habits.
• Environmental and policy changes within schools are potential avenues to influence student health behaviors.
• Previous research has explored various interventions, but a comprehensive approach targeting both physical activity and nutrition is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of environmental, policy, and social marketing interventions on physical activity and fat intake among middle school students.
• To assess the effectiveness of school-based interventions in promoting healthier behaviors on campus.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 24 middle schools over two academic years (1997-1999).
• Interventions focused on increasing physical activity during physical education and throughout the school day.
• Nutrition interventions aimed to increase the availability and marketing of low-fat foods across all school food venues.

Main Results:

• Significant increases in physical activity were observed for the total student group and for boys, but not for girls.
• Interventions did not significantly impact total or saturated fat intake.
• Survey data suggested a reduction in reported body mass index among boys.

Conclusions:

• Environmental and policy interventions show promise for enhancing school-time physical activity, particularly in boys.
• Current interventions were ineffective in reducing students' fat intake at school.
• Further research is needed to understand and overcome barriers to the successful implementation of school health behavior interventions.