J Korean Acad Child Health Nurs.  2007 Oct;13(4):399-406.

Effects of an Obesity Management Program on Obesity, Dietary Attitudes, Dietary Habits, and Exercise Habits of Obese Elementary School Children

• Cho IS
• Ryu HS
• Park IH
• Kang SY

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study was performed to test an obesity management program for elementary school children. The program was assessed by examining its effects on the obesity, dietary attitudes, dietary habits, and exercise habits.
METHODS
The participants were 65 elementary school children, of which 32 were assigned for the experimental group and 33 for the control group. The experimental group received an 8 weeks obesity management program. The outcome variables were measured before and after the program. chi2-test and t-test were used to analyze the data.
RESULTS
After the obesity management program, the BMI and fat mass percentage in the experimental group were significantly reduced. The score for dietary attitudes and dietary habits changed in a positive direction.
CONCLUSIONS
The findings from this study suggest that the obesity management program was effective in decreasing the rate of obesity and increasing the score for dietary attitudes and dietary habits. The program should be effective in the management of obesity in elementary school children.

Keyword

Obesity; Behavior modification; Exercise

MeSH Terms

Behavior Therapy
Child*
Food Habits*
Humans
Obesity*
Child Health