The impact of school health programmes on prevention of obesity in children

Abstract

Background: Childhood overweight and obesity proposes significant health hazards, including metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. A study conducted by WHO in 2019 found that around 40% of school-aged children in Malta are considered as overweight or obese. This is caused by malnutrition and physical inactivity (WHO, 2018a). This dissertation explores the impact of school health programmes to prevent obesity in children. The research question: Among school-aged children (5-12 years), are school-health programmes effective in reducing overweight and obesity? PICO elements: The population (P) – school aged children (5-12 years old). The Intervention (I) – school-health programmes and the comparison (C) – no intervention. The Outcome (O) – reducing overweight and obesity. Method: The inclusion criteria included age (5-12 years) and studies that included reduction of obesity while the exclusion criteria included age (infants, adolescents, adults and elderly), study protocols and pilot studies. The search retrieved 6 RCTs and 1 systematic review that were relevant to the question. The RCTs were appraised using the RCT Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tool while the systematic review was appraised using the CASP systematic review checklist. Results: The main outcome of the key studies was that school-health programmes are effective in reducing unhealthy weight. However, findings were inconsistent. Since the findings were inconsistent, results should be interpreted with caution. Conclusion: Main conclusion is that further policies regarding education and implementation of a healthy lifestyle, i.e. regular physical exercise and a balanced diet in Malta is necessary. Educating the parents is also crucial since they will set the tone at home. Implications and recommendations: Children with unhealthy weight is increasing in Malta, instead of decreasing. Thus, a new policy must be implemented at schools emphasising education and implementation of a healthy lifestyle to both children and parents is important.