Smartest Doc
Preventing Obesity Among Adolescent Girls
JAMA Pediatrics, 05/14/2012
Lubans DR et al. – A school–based intervention tailored for adolescent girls from schools located in low–income communities did not significantly reduce BMI gain. However, changes in body composition were of a magnitude similar to previous studies and may be associated with clinically important health outcomes.
Methods- Group randomized controlled trial with 12-month follow-up.
- Twelve secondary schools in low-income communities in the Hunter and Central Coast regions of New South Wales, Australia.
- Three hundred fifty-seven adolescent girls aged 12 to 14 years.
- After 12 months, changes in BMI, BMI z score, and body fat percentage were in favor of the intervention, but they were not statistically different from those in the control group.
- Changes in screen time were statistically significant, but there were no group by time effects for physical activity, dietary behavior, or self-esteem.
