[Approaches for the prevention of overweight through modified beverage consumption in the elementary school setting. The "trinkfit" study]

Abstract

There is still little evidence for effective interventions that prevent childhood overweight. A number of behavioral interventions have been implemented, but in order to achieve sustainable preventive effects, they should be combined with environmental interventions which target the obesogenic environment. A modifiable obesogenic factor is beverage consumption and targeting this behavior seems promising to prevent overweight in children. The behavioral and environmental approaches were combined in the "trinkfit" study, and effectiveness and feasibility were tested in a controlled intervention study. In order to prevent overweight, the intervention focused on increased water consumption of children in elementary schools. The intervention consisted of lessons on water given by the teachers (behavioral intervention) and the provision of water fountains and water bottles (environmental intervention). After one school year, the intervention had been effective in decreasing the risk of overweight in the children of the intervention group. However, this preventive effect was not observed among children with an immigrant background. Process evaluation results indicate that the combined intervention focusing on increased water consumption was sustainable and feasible in the school setting.