Abstract

FEFERBAUM, Rubens et al. A 10-month anthropometric and bioimpedance evaluation of a nutritional education program for 7 - to 14-year-old students. Rev. bras. crescimento desenvolv. hum. [online]. 2012, vol.22, n.3, pp.283-290. ISSN 0104-1282.

Over the past several decades, an increasing prevalence of excessive weight has been observed among children. Considering the importance of schools in promoting health, the implementation of individualized educational interventions in a school setting is necessary. The present study aimed to determine the influence of a nutritional education program in promoting the healthy eating habits and nutritional status of school-aged students. A total of 416 children and adolescents between 7 and 14 years of age who were enrolled in 2 complementary public schools were evaluated. A 10-month intervention in one of the schools was based on a nutritional education program targeting the students, legal guardians and school staff and involved substantial changes in the school meal menu. Weight, height, BMI, lean mass and body fat mass were evaluated in both the intervention (school 1) and the control (school 2) groups. At the beginning of the study, both school 1 and 2 exhibited a prevalence of overweight (34.0% and 28%, respectively) and obese students (16.9% and 10.4%, respectively); obesity was significantly reduced by the end of the study (p = 0.001). The growth of the students was considered normal for the age range in both schools, although it was slightly larger in school 1 (p = 0.04). Measurements of body composition, which were collected using bioelectrical impedance, indicated an increase in lean mass in both schools (p < 0.01) with an increase in body fat mass being observed only in school 2 (p = 0.01). These results, which are related to a significant reduction of the BMI, a change in bodily proportions and an increase in height growth for the students of school 1, indicate the beneficial aspects of the adopted diet.

Keywords : school meals; nutritional education; body composition in children and adolescents.

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