EFFECTIVENESS OF A SCHOOL-BASED NUTRITION EDUCATION ON WEIGHT MANAGEMENT AMONG YOUNG ADOLESCENTS

Abstract

Introduction: Obesity in adolescents is seen as one of the most important global health issues. among both industrialized and developing nations, the prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents has significantly increased. Adolescent obesity is associated with a higher chance of developing chronic illnesses and a worse standard of living as an adult. This study highlights school-based nutrition education as a sustainable strategy to combat adolescent obesity within the underexplored Pakistani context.

Methods: The study design for this interventional study was a Quasi-Experimental study design. Students fulfilling the inclusion criteria of grades 6th-10th were included in the study, and written permission was given after explaining to them in writing the purpose of the research and their desired cooperation in this regard. Anthropometric measurement was done at baseline and end line. The presentation on nutrition education & balanced diet, physical activity, overweight and obesity, diet modification, behaviour modification, and the importance of physical activity was given weekly for up to six weeks.

Result: The significance between different variables and the data's normality was checked, and then a parametric or non-parametric test was applied. A paired test was used for our data to see the difference in BMI before and after the training.

Conclusion: The essential role of such programs to combat obesity and promote health is highlighted by the successful reduction of teenage BMI that may be achieved through school-based nutrition education and physical activity