Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2026
05:59
Visualization of Intensity Levels to Reduce the Gap Between Self-Reported and Directly Measured Physical Activity
Published on: March 7, 2019
Evaluating the effectiveness of the Kids Living Fit program: a comparative study
Karen Gabel Speroni1, Cynthia Earley, Martin Atherton
1Patient Care Services, Inova Loudoun Hospital, Leesburg, VA, USA.
Summary
The Kids Living Fit (KLF) after-school program successfully reduced children's BMI percentile and waist circumference. This school nurse-led initiative promoted healthy eating and physical activity, offering a promising strategy for childhood obesity prevention.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Health Promotion
Background:
- Childhood obesity is a growing public health concern.
- School-based interventions are crucial for promoting healthy lifestyles in children.
- After-school programs offer a unique setting for health education and lifestyle modification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of the Kids Living Fit (KLF) after-school program in improving health behaviors and anthropometric measures in elementary school children.
- To assess the impact of a nurse-led intervention on body mass index (BMI) percentile and waist circumference.
- To determine if lifestyle choices regarding diet and physical activity can be positively influenced through structured after-school programming.
Main Methods:
- A 12-week intervention program (KLF) was implemented in elementary schools, involving weekly fitness sessions and monthly dietitian presentations.
- Participants (grades 2-5) were divided into an intervention group (n=80) and a no-intervention control group (n=105).
- Data collection included BMI percentile, waist circumference, food/activity diaries, and pedometer data.
Main Results:
- The KLF intervention group showed a significant decrease in BMI percentile (-2.3%) from baseline to follow-up compared to the control group.
- The KLF group exhibited a smaller increase in waist circumference than the contrast group.
- Participants engaged in healthier food and activity choices, as evidenced by diaries and pedometer data.
Conclusions:
- The Kids Living Fit program, implemented by school nurses, is effective in reducing BMI percentile and mitigating increases in waist circumference in elementary school children.
- Nurse-led after-school programs can successfully promote healthy lifestyle choices, contributing to childhood obesity prevention efforts.
- This intervention demonstrates the potential of school-based programs to foster sustainable healthy habits in young populations.
