The efficacy of a lifestyle modification course in overweight female elementary school students in Urmia, Iran

Abstract

Background: Large numbers of overweight students live in the third world countries. They are confronted with physical and psychological incidences due to lack of education. Getting enough education would thus enable such students to control their weight and restart their daily activities. They would consequently be less influenced by complications resulting from the overweight phenomenon. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a lifestyle adjustment course on overweight female elementary school students in Urmia (Iran) during 2011. Methods: In a quasi-experimental study, 95 students with body mass index (BMI) > 85% were included. Demographic and lifestyle characteristics of the subjects were collected through questionnaires. A lifestyle modification course, including 6 1-hour sessions in 1 month, was then held for the students. The participants were evaluated during the course and 3 months after the last session. Paired t-test and Wilcoxon test were used to analyze the collected data. Findings: Our results showed of the efficacy of the lifestyle modification course to be moderate. The mean lifestyle score changed from 46.2 ± 17.3 before the course to 56.3 ± 13.6 after the educational intervention. According to Wilcoxon test, the difference between the two values was significant (P = 0.001). In addition, BMI decreased from 92.8 ± 4.6% before the course to 90.5 ± 3.4% after it. Paired t-test showed examined significant difference between these two values (P = 0.001). Conclusion: The performed lifestyle modification course improved the lifestyle of elementary school students and reduced their weight. Similar educational interventions are thus suggested to prevent obesity-related complications.