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Healthy eating and obesity prevention for preschoolers: a randomised controlled trial

Helen Skouteris1, Marita McCabe, Boyd Swinburn

  • 1School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Medicine, Nursing and Behavioural Sciences, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia. helens@deakin.edu.au

BMC Public Health
|April 30, 2010
PubMed

Insights

This study tested the MEND (Mind Exercise Nutrition Do It!) program for parents of 2-4 year olds to prevent childhood obesity. Results will inform national prevention strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Pediatrics
  • Behavioral Science

Background:

  • Childhood obesity is a growing concern requiring early intervention.
  • The formative preschool years are critical for establishing healthy habits.
  • Parental influence is significant in early childhood overweight development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effectiveness of the MEND (Mind Exercise Nutrition Do It!) program.
  • To assess a healthy eating and childhood obesity prevention intervention for parents of 2-4 year olds.
  • To provide a solution-oriented, prevention-focused approach to early childhood overweight.

Main Methods:

  • Randomised controlled trial with 200 parent-child dyads.
  • Ten 90-minute group workshops focusing on nutrition, physical activity, and behaviors.
  • Assessment at baseline, post-intervention, and at 6 and 12 months.

Main Results:

  • Data collection ongoing; results pending.
  • This is the first RCT of its kind in Australia for this age group.
  • Study aims to provide evidence for a scalable national program.

Conclusions:

  • Parent-focused interventions are crucial for preventing preschool overweight.
  • Positive trial outcomes could lead to national MEND 2-4 program implementation.
  • This research addresses the need for evidence-based childhood obesity prevention.
Abstract

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