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Reducing high BMI in African American preschoolers: effects of a behavior-based physical activity intervention on
James J Annesi1, Alice E Smith, Gisèle A Tennant
1YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA. jamesa@ymcaatlanta.org
Insights
The Start For Life intervention increased physical activity and reduced obesity in preschoolers. This theory-based program shows promise for widespread adoption to combat childhood overweight and obesity.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric health
- Public health interventions
- Childhood obesity prevention
Background:
- Rising rates of overweight and obesity in young children present a significant public health concern.
- Insufficient physical activity is a key contributing factor to childhood obesity.
- Theory-based interventions are needed to effectively address this issue in preschool settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and test a theory-based physical activity intervention for preschoolers.
- To evaluate the intervention's impact on physical activity levels and weight status.
- To explore the feasibility of disseminating the intervention for broader reach.
Main Methods:
- A 9-month preschool-based intervention, 'Start For Life', grounded in social cognitive theory.
- Intervention focused on self-regulation skills and self-efficacy.
- Administered to 4- and 5-year-old African American children, involving 30 minutes of activity daily.
Main Results:
- Significant increases in accelerometer-measured moderate-to-vigorous and vigorous physical activity during the school day.
- Significant reductions in body mass index (BMI), particularly in children with higher initial BMIs.
- Kilocalories expended through physical activity accounted for approximately 87% of weight loss, irrespective of participant sex.
Conclusions:
- The 'Start For Life' intervention effectively increased physical activity and reduced overweight/obesity in preschoolers.
- The intervention's practical format suggests potential for widespread dissemination.
- This approach offers a viable strategy for tackling childhood obesity at its early stages.
Objectives:
Overweight and obesity in young children are increasing concerns for medical professionals. Lack of sufficient physical activity may be the primary cause; therefore, the development and testing of a theory-based intervention for preschoolers is a priority.
Methods:
A 30-minutes/day preschool-based intervention (Start For Life), with a foundation in social cognitive theory that emphasizes the use of self-regulation skills and feelings of mastery (self-efficacy), was administered for 9 months to 4- and 5-year-old African American children.
Results:
Findings indicated a significant increase in accelerometer-measured moderate-to-vigorous and vigorous physical activity during the 7-hour school day. Reductions in body mass index (BMI; kg/m) were significant, with greater effects found in participants with an initially higher BMI. Further analyses indicated that the kilocalories expended through physical activity explained approximately 87% of the weight lost. Participants' sex did not affect the identified changes in BMI.
Conclusions:
A brief theory-based physical activity intervention (Start For Life) was associated with increased moderate-to-vigorous and vigorous physical activity and reduced overweight/obesity in 4- to 5-year-old preschoolers. Because of its practical format, opportunities for widespread dissemination may be possible.
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