Reducing weight gain in children through enhancing physical activity and nutrition: The APPLE project.

Taylor, R. W., McAuley, K. A., Williams, S. M., Barbezat, W. & Mann, J. I.

International Journal of Pediatric Obesity, University of Otago

2006

International Journal of Pediatric Obesity

University of Otago: Apple Study

www.otago.ac.nz/diabetes/research/apple.html

The objective of this study was to determine whether increasing extra-curricular levels of activity through community-based lifestyle intervention could reduce weight gain in children. Study population: two comparable relatively rural communities in Otago, with 384 children aged 5 to 12 years in the intervention and control communities. Community Activity Co-ordinators were employed at each school in the intervention area to widen exposure to activity and engage children not interested in traditional sporting activities by encouraging lifestyle-based activities (e.g. walking) and non-traditional sports (e.g. golf and taekwondo) during extra-curricular time at school, after school and during vacations. Simple dietary advice was offered and the wider community was encouraged to participate. The authors conclude from the results that the intervention group experienced significantly increased participation in physical activity and slowed unhealthy weight gain in primary school-aged children.

Keywords:

Weight Management, Health, Fitness, Exercise, Nutrition, Weight gain, Children, BMI, Healthy eating, Nutrition

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Social research

Otago

Outdoor Recreation, Recreation

Young People

Clubs, Community, Outdoors, Schools

Accomodation and facilities, Events, Non-organised, Organised, Playgrounds, Sportsvilles/Multisport centres

Barriers, Benefits, Capability, Impacts- social, Participation

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June 29, 2012