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Evaluation of Knowledge and Behavior Changes in Middle School Students
Author(s) -
Richmond Laura,
Gonzales Dana,
Crook Tina,
Hakkak Reza
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.26.1_supplement.816.1
Subject(s) - flexibility (engineering) , test (biology) , healthy eating , psychology , physical activity , food choice , nutrition education , childhood obesity , physical fitness , healthy food , medical education , obesity , eating behavior , set (abstract data type) , medicine , gerontology , physical therapy , overweight , food science , mathematics , computer science , paleontology , statistics , chemistry , pathology , programming language , biology
Childhood and adolescent obesity is rapidly increasing. The EatFit one program designed to improve the eating and fitness choices of middle school adolescents. Pre and post‐tests were used to assess twenty 6 th to 8 th grade student's knowledge and behaviors of nutrition and physical activity practices. There was a significant increase (p<.05) in the numbers of days students participated in flexibility/stretching exercises after completing the EatFit program. Students participated on average of one more day per week in strength exercises and lifestyle exercises on the post‐test compared to the pre‐test. Students made nutrition‐related behavior changes upon completion of this program such as making healthier eating choices in their choice of pizza topping, beverage choice, and cereal. Students reported they could set another eating or fitness goal and achieve it. 85% of students answered they met their eating goal, and made an effort to meet their eating goal. Our results showed the EatFit program can lead to positive changes in nutrition and physical activity‐behavior‐related behavior change. Dietitians and healthcare professionals can impact the implementation and expansion of school‐based nutrition education and physical activity programs like EatFit. Supported by Department of Dietetic and nutrition and Graduate School.