Effect of Nutrition Education Model on Weight Control in Obese School Children

A study on the effect of nutrition education on weight control in obese children was conducted on 139 primary school children, grades 4 to 6. Their ages ranged between 9 and 12 years and initially the mean body mass index ranged between 24.4 and 24.9. Subjects were divided into three groups. Group 1, Sainamthip pupils (n=41) and their parents, received a weight control guideline booklet (WCGB); a nutrition session which included nutrition counseling and a food demonstration was provided to the parents once a month. Group 2 from Wat Plubplachai (n=46) received the same WCGB, whereas group 3 from Wat Amarindraram (n=52) served as a control group and did not receive the booklet. Prior to the beginning of the study, there was no difference in the mean nutrition knowledge score among the three groups. School visits and nutrition education were also provided for groups 1 and 2 every two weeks for three months by nutritionists. Results showed that energy, protein and fat intakes at weeks 12 in Group 1 significantly decreased compared to those of week 1, whereas significant change in protein and cholesterol were observed in Group 2. No change was seen in main nutrients in group 3. Fat intakes among the three groups at week 12 was relatively high when compared to dietary recommendations. Changes in body mass index of subjects were also affected by physiological maturation. However, nutrition education during the 12-week weight control programme did not affect changes in serum cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol of group 1 and 2. Lack of parents' participation seemed to be one determining factor leading to insufficient weight reduction in obese pupils and this requires resolution.