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Prevention of overweight in children younger than 2 years old: a pilot cluster-randomized controlled trial

Vera Verbestel1, Valerie De Coen2, Myriam Van Winckel3

  • 11 Department of Movement and Sports Sciences, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.

Public Health Nutrition
|May 25, 2013
PubMed

Insights

A family-based healthy lifestyle intervention in day-care centres improved toddlers' BMI Z-scores but did not change activity or dietary habits. Unhealthy lifestyle patterns emerged in all children over one year, highlighting the need for early intervention.

Area of Science:

  • Child Health and Nutrition
  • Public Health Interventions
  • Behavioral Science

Background:

  • Childhood obesity is a growing concern, necessitating effective early intervention strategies.
  • Day-care centres provide a unique setting to implement family-based lifestyle programs for toddlers.
  • Understanding the impact of interventions on both weight status and behavioral patterns is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the 1-year impact of a family-based healthy lifestyle intervention delivered via day-care centres on toddlers' BMI Z-scores.
  • To evaluate the intervention's effect on toddlers' reported activity and dietary behaviors.
  • To identify trends in lifestyle behaviors and weight status in early childhood.

Main Methods:

  • Pilot cluster-randomized controlled trial involving 70 child-care centres in Flanders, Belgium.
  • Inclusion of 203 Belgian toddlers aged 9-24 months.
  • Measurement of Body Mass Index (BMI) Z-scores using objectively assessed height and weight; assessment of lifestyle behaviors via parental questionnaires.

Main Results:

  • The intervention demonstrated positive effects on toddlers' BMI Z-scores.
  • No significant intervention effects were observed on targeted activity and dietary behaviors.
  • Across both intervention and control groups, there was a decrease in fruit and vegetable consumption and an increase in water, soft drinks, sweets, and savory snack intake over the year.
  • Physical activity levels remained stable, while screen time increased in both groups.

Conclusions:

  • A family-based healthy lifestyle intervention delivered through day-care centres can positively influence toddlers' weight outcomes.
  • Despite the intervention's impact on BMI, a concerning trend towards unhealthier lifestyle patterns emerged in all participating children over the study period.
  • The early childhood period is critical for implementing behavioral interventions to foster long-term healthy habits.
Abstract

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