Abstract

ELIZONDO-MONTEMAYOR, Leticia et al. Intervention to promote healthy habits and decrease obesity in high school adolescents. Estud. soc [online]. 2014, vol.22, n.43, pp.217-239. ISSN 0188-4557.

The objective of this paper was to determine changes in the prevalence of over-weight/obesity, dietary habits and physical activity at the beginning and end of the freshman year after an intervention to promote healthy habits. Anthropometric measurements and a questionnaire about healthy eating habits and exercise were applied at the start and end of the freshman year to 304 volunteers ages 14-17. Intervention consisted of lectures, sports classes and social networks such as Facebook and Twitter. There was a significant increase in the intake of portions/day of fruits and vegetables, and a reduction in days/week of sweetened beverages and chips. There was no change in the prevalence of over-weight/obesity. The massive intervention through lectures, classes and social networks improved dietary habits but did not change the prevalence of overweight/obesity. Other strategies should be tested.

Keywords : overweight; obesity; adolescents; school-based interventions; dietary habits; physical activity.