A recent systematic review on school-based behavioural nutrition and physical activity interventions was published in Obesity Reviews. This review paper was conducted within the Health Promotion through Obesity Prevention across Europe (HOPE) project. Prof. Ilse de Bourdeaudhuij was first author on this paper. The review confirms what has been suggested earlier, i.e. that combining school-based health education with meaningful changes in the school and/or school neighbourhood physical activity and food environments, and that a focus on both sides of the energy balance, i.e. on nutrition and physical activity, give better and more relevant effects. The evidence was strongest for changes in relevant energy balance behaviours and suggestive for changes in weight and weight status. Their was a lack of studies that included good measurements of BMI or other weight status indicators (e.g. waist circumference, skin folds).
The review further suggests that computer-tailored personalized education in the classroom showed better results than a generic classroom curriculum. Environmental interventions might include organized physical activities during breaks, or before and after school; improved availability of physical activity opportunities in and around the school environment; increased physical education lesson time; improved availability or accessibility of healthy food options; and restricted availability and accessibility of unhealthy food options.
