School-based obesity prevention programs show positive
effects on obesity and lifestyle parameters. However, the
most efficient way to implement them is unknown. In Mexico, available studies present methodological limitations. The
aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a school-based obesity prevention program 1) implemented by advanced undergraduate nutrition and physical
activity students, and 2) the same program implemented by
schoolteachers and advanced undergraduate physical activity students, each compared to a control group of Mexican
children. This study is a cluster randomized controlled trial.
Children from several schools in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico
will be invited to participate. The schools will be randomly assigned to one option: 1) the Planet Nutrition Program (PNP)
delivered by advanced undergraduate nutrition and physical
activity students, 2) PNP by schoolteachers, or 3) a control
group. The intervention will consist of nutritional education
and physical activity sessions for children and nutrition information for parents. The BMI Z-score, body fat, and lifestyle
parameters will be evaluated at baseline and at 6 months.
If successful, we expect that the program turns out a model
for obesity prevention in this age group, with a potential for
dissemination in Mexican schools.