Abstract |
Introduction: Childhood obesity is increasing in Cyprus but also in entire Europe. The
Western lifestyle in combine to the economic crisis it is possible to negatively affect quality
of life and nutrition. Prevention of childhood obesity is considered as one of the most
important means to fight increasing obesity prevalence in childhood, adulthood and its health
consequences to both age groups. Aim: The main goal of the current study was to conduct
and evaluate an intervention program on a school base and a family base, in order to lower
obesity rates and promote healthy lifestyle in relation to nutrition and physical activity.
Methods: Children two to nine years of age from Pafos and Strovolos areas participated in
IDEFICS (Identification and prevention of dietary and life style induced health effects in
children and infants) study in Cyprus (n=2380). From the rest seven European countries of the
IDEFICS study, 13884 participated at baseline study (2007-2008). The association of
breastfeeding and the introduction of solid foods, was investigated from data coming from all
eight European countries (n=11657. 50.3% males). Respectively, within the European
population, the association of breakfast consumption and health indices was investigated
(n=8863, 51.2% males) while on a national level, breakfast habits were studied in relation to
daily nutrients intake. (n=1558, 50.3% males, 4-8 years). After the two year school based and
family based intervention program (2007-2010) in Cyprus (school based family intervention
took place in Strovolos while family based intervention took place in Strovolos as well, in
“Open Schools” with two hours-weekly sessions for exercise and family nutritional
education/intervention). In total, 1743 out of 2380 children participated in follow up study in
2009-2010 (850 children from Strovolos intervention group, 865 children from Pafos control
group and 28 children from Open School intervention group (50.6% males for all groups).
Results: The two years intervention study did not affect significantly Cyprus population’s
obesity prevalence. Still, boys of Strovolos intervention group, significantly reduced their
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Total Cholesterol blood levels while boys and girls reduced their weekly consumption of junk
food, compared to control group. In Open School intervention group, boys reduced
significantly their weekly consumption of junk food and girls increased significantly their
daily consumption of fruits and vegetables. Within the European population of the study it
was found that exclusive breastfeeding for 4 to 6 months followed by solid food introduction is
protective over future obesity in childhood; early introduction of fruits as well, regardless of milk
infant feeding practices. Daily breakfast consumption was found to help controlling school aged
children’s weight, lipid profile and promotes higher physical activity in boys. On a national
level, within the Cypriot study population girls who have breakfast on a daily basis had lower
mean Body Mass Index and they were also less likely of having abnormal levels of serum
triglycerides, atheromatic index (Total Cholesterol to HDL-cholesterol ratio) and diastolic blood
pressure after controlling for several confounding factors. Within regular breakfast consumers, of both
boys and girls, those having RTE cereals had a superior nutrient intake profile. Conclusions:
According to results, early infant nutrition and breakfast habits are two significant nutrition
areas that need to be further investigated; current data support that optimal breakfast habits,
sufficient exclusive breastfeeding and timely introduction of solids during infancy play a key
role for the prevention of future adiposity and/or abnormal cardiovascular risk factors during
childhood. Intervention had light positive outcomes so the need for efficient intervention
programs in Cyprus remains as a challenge and it is urgently needed for such prevention and
intervention programs to be stratified and implemented in public schools.
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