A school based, interdisciplinary curriculum in grades 6 and 7 reduced obesity in girls
QUESTION: Can a school based, interdisciplinary health behaviour curriculum reduce obesity in boys and girls in grades 6 and 7?
Design
Randomised (unclear allocation concealment), controlled, unblinded trial with follow up over 2 school years (Planet Health programme).
Setting
10 schools in 4 communities in Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Participants
1560 students with parental consent who were in grades 6 or 7 (approximately ages 11 and 12 y) on 1 September, 1995 received Planet Health or the usual curriculum; students in special education classes were excluded. 1295 children (mean age 11.7 y, 52% boys, 69% white) (83%) were evaluated at the end of the study.
Intervention
5 schools were allocated to the Planet Health programme, which consisted of teacher training workshops, classroom lessons, physical education materials, wellness sessions, and fitness funds. The programme included 32 (16/y) lessons focused on television viewing, activity, and diet provided across 4 subjects: language arts, mathematics, …
