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ELSa interventional Portuguese health program to promote physical activity
Maria Isabel Martins Mourão Carvalhal1, Sandra Fonseca, Eduarda Maria Rocha Teles de Castro Coelho
1Rua Dr Manuel Cardona CIFOP Sport Department, University Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000 Vila Real, Trás-os-Montes, Portugal.
Summary
Portuguese children show high rates of overweight and obesity, with sedentary lifestyles and excessive screen time. Urgent interventions are needed to address physical activity, screen time, and nutrition for healthier childhoods.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Public Health
- Obesity Research
Background:
- Childhood obesity is a growing global concern.
- Baseline data on lifestyle factors are crucial for designing effective health interventions.
- The ELSa program aims to improve health outcomes in Portuguese children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report baseline data on obesity incidence, eating habits, physical activity, and sedentary behavior in Portuguese children before the ELSa intervention.
- To identify key behavioral targets for a comprehensive health program.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 496 children (mean age 7.7 years) participated.
- Body Mass Index (BMI) and Cole et al. cut-offs were used to assess weight status (thinness, overweight, obesity).
- Dietary intake was assessed using 24-hour recalls, and lifestyle factors (eating habits, physical activity, sedentary behavior) were collected via parental questionnaires.
Main Results:
- High prevalence of overweight and obesity was observed.
- Children spent significant time on screen-based activities.
- Low levels of physical activity were reported, despite seemingly healthy eating habits.
- Overall, children exhibited sedentary lifestyles.
Conclusions:
- Urgent, multi-level interventions are necessary to combat high childhood obesity rates.
- Interventions should focus on modifying physical activity, reducing screen time, and optimizing nutrition.
- Addressing sedentary behaviors is critical for improving children's health outcomes.
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