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[Anthropometric, dietetic and psychological changes after application of the "Niñ@s en movimiento" program in
Sandra Gussinyer1, Norma I García-Reyna, Antonio Carrascosa
1Unidad de Endocrinología Pediátrica. Servicio de Pediatría. Hospital Materno-infantil Vall d'Hebron, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Paseo Vall d'Hebron 119-129, Barcelona, Spain.
Insights
The "Niñ@s en movimiento" program successfully reduced childhood obesity by lowering Body Mass Index (BMI) and improving lifestyle habits. It also decreased anxiety and depression in children, promoting better mental health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric obesity intervention
- Child psychology and lifestyle modification
- Public health and nutrition programs
Context:
- Childhood obesity is a significant public health concern with long-term health implications.
- Psychological factors and lifestyle habits play a crucial role in pediatric obesity.
- Family involvement is essential for effective intervention in children's health.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of the
- Niñ@s en movimiento
- " interventional program on obese children (6-12 years) and their families.
- To assess changes in Body Mass Index (BMI), dietary habits, and psychological well-being (anxiety and depression).
- To promote healthier lifestyles and improve the overall health of participating children.
Summary:
- The study included 81 obese children (6-12 years) in an 11-week intervention program.
- Significant reductions in BMI, anxiety, and depression scores were observed.
- Improvements included increased fruit and vegetable intake, reduced consumption of unhealthy breakfast items, and a decrease in skipped breakfasts.
Impact:
- The
- Niñ@s en movimiento
- " program effectively reduced childhood obesity and improved mental health indicators.
- The intervention demonstrated a positive shift towards healthier dietary patterns and lifestyle choices.
- Results suggest the program's potential for broader implementation in addressing pediatric obesity and associated psychological issues.
Background And Objective:
"Niñ@s en movimiento" is an interventional programme (11 weekly sessions of 90 minutes' duration) designed to modify psychological aspects and nutritional and life style habits in obese children aged 6-12 and in their families.
Patients And Method:
Eighty-one obese children (46 girls, 35 boys), 6-12 years of age were included. Body mass index (BMI), Mediterranean diet (KIDMED), anxiety (CMAS-R) and depression tests (CDS) were evaluated in at the start and end of the programme.
Results:
In 72 patients (88.9%) BMI decreased from a mean (standard deviation) 27.8 (3.8) to 26.5 (3.6) kg/m(2) (p < 0.001) and from 3.3 (1,4) to 2.6 (1.2) kg/m(2) (p < 0.001). Diary fruit intake increased from 63.3% to 82.7% of patients (p < 0.001) and greens from 45.6% to 88,2% of patients (p < 0.001). Breakfast intake of industrial cakes decreased from 17.7% to 1.3% of patients (p < 0.001) and the number of patients who skipped breakfast changed from 36.7% to 11.7% (p < 0.001). Anxiety and depression scores fell from 53.46 (27.69) to 47.22 (26.3) (p < 0.03) and from 29.68 to 16.88 (p < 0.001), respectively. The relative risks of suffering a depressive or anxiety disorder dropped from 38.8% to 22.5% (p < 0.001) and from 15% to 8.2% (p = 0.01) of the patients respectively.
Conclusions:
Application of the "Niñ@s en movimiento" programme leads to a decrease in BMI and in anxiety and depression scores and an increase in Mediterranean diet score.
