Healthy Inside-Healthy Outside

2009

The incidence of overweight has increased markedly in recent years, particularly in ethnic minority communities. Many dietary and activity habits that foster the development of adult obesity are established by the age of 5 years, when 70% of U.S. children are enrolled in early child care facilities. Overweight at age two years is associated with increased risk of adult obesity. This study is designed to test the hypothesis that a lifestyle intervention based in the child-care setting can reduce children?s risk for later development of overweight. A small-scale pilot study will be conducted in which eight centers will receive intervention around good nutrition and increased activity. We will develop a health behavior promotion program in a culturally appropriate manner, with staff and parent group sessions at six large, early child care centers located in ethnically diverse, low-income communities. Two centers will be matched on ethnicity and serve as the control group. The primary outcome will be change in child weight status, and secondary outcomes include child and family measures of dietary intake and physical activity. The results of this study will contribute new information concerning behavioral risk factors for obesity in a multi-ethnic population, and the feasibility of innovative, child-care-center modifications to prevent childhood overweight. These findings will provide the preliminary feasibility and efficacy data needed for the development of a large scale intervention.

obesity prevention, community-based, childhood

Performing Technical Assistance and/or Training, Performing Research or Evaluation, Developing & Disseminating Information

Education & Early Intervention, Health-Related Activities

Family Members/Caregivers, Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN, Legislators/Policy Makers, General Public

Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances, Limited English

Single-County

N/A