Salazar Gabriela, Vasquez Fabian, Andrade Margarita, Rodriguez Maria Del Pilar, Berlanga Rocio, Rojas Juanita, Giadalah Antonio, Muñoz Alvaro
Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology (INTA), University of Chile, Santiago 7800284, Chile.
School of Nutrition and Dietetic, Finis Terrae University, Santiago 7501014, Chile.
J Funct Morphol Kinesiol. 2025 Mar 12;10(1):93. doi: 10.3390/jfmk10010093.
Childhood obesity has reached critical levels in Chile, particularly among preschoolers from low-income families who face barriers to nutritious food and physical activity. Early interventions are essential to mitigate long-term health risks. This study evaluates the Chile Active Intervention, a community-based program promoting physical activity and healthy eating among preschoolers attending public daycare centers in Antofagasta, Santiago, and Temuco. To assess the effectiveness of a structured intervention in improving physical activity levels, dietary habits, and obesity-related risk factors in children aged 3 to 5 years old. A quasi-experimental design was implemented with intervention and control groups, including 1204 children from public daycare centers. The intervention-comprised educator training on healthy eating structured physical activity sessions tailored for young children and family engagement through "Healthy Days" events. Pre- and post-intervention assessments measured anthropometric variables, body composition, physical activity, and dietary intake. The intervention led to positive changes in weight-for-height Z-scores, body fat percentage, and skinfold thickness, particularly among high-risk children. Physical activity assessments showed reduced sedentary time and increased active play. Dietary improvements included higher fruit and vegetable consumption and reduced ultra-processed food intake. This study demonstrates that early, community-based interventions can effectively improve health behaviors in preschoolers. The program's scalability across Chile is promising, with parental involvement and institutional support being key to sustaining impact. Long-term evaluations are recommended to assess its lasting effects on childhood health outcomes.
儿童肥胖问题在智利已达到危急程度，尤其是在低收入家庭的学龄前儿童中，他们在获取营养食品和进行体育活动方面面临障碍。早期干预对于降低长期健康风险至关重要。本研究评估了“智利积极干预”项目，这是一项基于社区的计划，旨在促进安托法加斯塔、圣地亚哥和特木科等地公立日托中心学龄前儿童的体育活动和健康饮食。评估一项结构化干预措施对改善3至5岁儿童的体育活动水平、饮食习惯及肥胖相关风险因素的有效性。采用准实验设计，设立干预组和对照组，纳入来自公立日托中心的1204名儿童。干预措施包括对教育工作者进行健康饮食培训、为幼儿量身定制结构化体育活动课程，以及通过“健康日”活动促进家庭参与。干预前后的评估测量了人体测量变量、身体成分、体育活动和饮食摄入量。干预使身高别体重Z评分、体脂百分比和皮褶厚度出现了积极变化，尤其是在高危儿童中。体育活动评估显示久坐时间减少，积极玩耍时间增加。饮食方面的改善包括水果和蔬菜摄入量增加，超加工食品摄入量减少。本研究表明，早期基于社区的干预措施可以有效改善学龄前儿童的健康行为。该项目在智利各地的可扩展性前景良好，家长参与和机构支持是维持影响的关键。建议进行长期评估，以评估其对儿童健康结果的长期影响。
