Researchers in China tested a new program to help kids maintain healthy weights by involving schools, families, and doctors working together. The study followed over 1,600 third-grade students for one school year. Kids in the program gained much less weight than kids in regular schools. The program was customized based on each child’s starting weight—kids at healthy weights got basic health education, while kids who were overweight got extra help with exercise and eating habits. After one year, fewer kids in the program were overweight compared to kids in regular schools. The results suggest this team-based approach could help prevent childhood obesity.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a school-based program that involves teachers, families, and doctors can help prevent kids from gaining too much weight and becoming overweight
  • Who participated: 1,627 eight-year-old third-grade students from six primary schools in Ningbo, China. About half (838) were in the new program, and half (789) continued with regular school activities. The groups were similar in age, gender, and starting weight.
  • Key finding: Kids in the intervention program gained almost no weight over the school year (+0.02 kg/m²), while kids in regular schools gained more weight (+0.24 kg/m²). Additionally, the percentage of overweight or obese kids dropped from 24.8% to 18.9% in the program schools, compared to only dropping from 23.6% to 21.0% in regular schools.
  • What it means for you: If your child’s school adopted a similar program, it could help them maintain a healthier weight through better nutrition education and physical activity. This approach works best when schools, families, and healthcare providers all work together. Results may vary depending on your child’s starting weight and family involvement.

The Research Details

This was a randomized controlled trial, which is considered one of the strongest types of research studies. Researchers randomly assigned six schools to either use the new program (intervention schools) or continue with regular teaching (control schools). This random assignment helps ensure the groups were similar at the start, so differences at the end are more likely due to the program itself.

The program had two levels based on each child’s weight. All kids in intervention schools received “OptiChild,” which included health education lessons and school policies supporting healthy eating and exercise. Kids who were already overweight or obese received an additional program called “SCIENT,” which added structured exercise classes led by teachers and personalized nutrition advice from dietitians. Families also got help through a mobile app to track progress and get tips.

Researchers measured children’s weight, height, body fat, blood pressure, and asked about their eating and exercise habits at the beginning and end of the school year.

Using a randomized controlled trial design is important because it helps prove the program actually caused the weight changes, not other factors. By tailoring the program intensity to each child’s needs, researchers could test whether a customized approach works better than one-size-fits-all solutions. This matters for real-world use because schools can implement programs at different levels based on student needs.

This study has several strengths: it was randomized (reducing bias), included a large number of students (1,627), lasted a full school year (long enough to see real changes), and measured multiple health markers beyond just weight. The study was published in a peer-reviewed medical journal. However, the study was conducted only in China, so results may differ in other countries with different cultures and food systems. The study didn’t report how long benefits lasted after the program ended.

What the Results Show

The main finding was that kids in the intervention program gained significantly less weight than kids in regular schools. Over one school year, intervention kids gained almost nothing (+0.02 kg/m²), while control kids gained more (+0.24 kg/m²). This difference of -0.25 kg/m² was statistically significant, meaning it’s very unlikely to have happened by chance.

When looking at overweight and obesity rates, the intervention schools saw improvement. The percentage of overweight or obese kids dropped from 24.8% to 18.9%—a decrease of about 5.9 percentage points. In control schools, the rate only dropped from 23.6% to 21.0%—a decrease of 2.6 percentage points. This means the program prevented more kids from becoming overweight.

For kids who started at a healthy weight (OptiChild program), the results were encouraging. These kids gained only 0.08 kg/m² in the intervention schools versus 0.25 kg/m² in control schools. The program reduced the chance of healthy-weight kids becoming overweight by 68%—meaning kids in the program were much less likely to gain too much weight.

For kids who started overweight or obese (SCIENT program), results were even stronger. These kids actually lost weight in the intervention (-0.19 kg/m²), while control kids gained weight (+0.21 kg/m²). This difference of -0.38 kg/m² was highly significant.

Beyond weight changes, the program improved other health markers. Kids in both intervention groups showed better health behaviors, including more physical activity and healthier eating habits. Blood pressure measurements and body fat distribution also improved in intervention groups compared to controls. No harmful side effects or adverse events were reported in any group, suggesting the program was safe for all children.

This study builds on previous research showing that school-based obesity prevention programs can work. However, this study is notable because it uses a tiered approach—giving more intensive help to kids who need it most. Most previous studies gave the same program to all kids. This customized approach appears more effective and efficient. The results align with other research showing that involving families and healthcare providers, not just schools, leads to better outcomes.

The study only lasted one school year, so we don’t know if benefits continue after the program ends or how long they last. The study was conducted in China, so results may not apply to other countries with different food cultures, school systems, or family structures. The study didn’t track whether families actually used the mobile app or followed the nutrition advice, so we don’t know how much family involvement affected results. Schools were not blinded to which group they were in, which could have influenced how teachers implemented the program.

The Bottom Line

If your school is considering an obesity prevention program, this research suggests a tiered approach involving schools, families, and healthcare providers is effective (high confidence). Schools should provide basic health education to all students and more intensive support (exercise classes and nutrition counseling) to kids who are overweight or obese (high confidence). Involving families through mobile apps or regular communication appears important for success (moderate confidence). These programs should be adapted to fit your local food culture and school resources.

Parents and school administrators should care about this research, especially if childhood obesity is a concern in their community. Kids at healthy weights can benefit from the basic health education program. Kids who are overweight or obese may benefit most from the intensive program with exercise and nutrition counseling. Teachers and school staff should care because they play a key role in delivering the program. Healthcare providers should care because they can support families with nutrition advice. This approach may be less relevant in communities where childhood obesity is not a significant problem.

Based on this study, you could expect to see changes in weight gain within one school year (about 9-10 months). Kids at healthy weights should see slowed weight gain relatively quickly—within a few months. Kids who are overweight may see weight loss within 3-6 months if they engage fully with the program. However, maintaining these benefits likely requires continuing the program over multiple years. Long-term benefits beyond one year are unknown based on this study.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track your child’s weekly physical activity minutes (aim for 60+ minutes daily) and daily servings of fruits and vegetables (aim for 5+ servings). Use the app to log these behaviors and see progress over weeks and months, rather than focusing only on weight changes.
  • Use the app to set one specific, achievable goal each week—such as adding a 20-minute family walk three times per week or including vegetables in dinner four nights per week. Have family members log their own activities to create accountability and make it a family effort rather than putting pressure only on the child.
  • Check in monthly on whether health behaviors are improving (more activity, better eating) rather than weighing daily. Track trends over 3-month periods to see if the program is working. Share progress with your child’s doctor or school nurse every 3 months to get professional feedback and adjust the plan if needed.

This research describes a program tested in China and may not apply directly to all communities or countries. Results are based on one school year of observation, and long-term benefits are unknown. This information is educational and should not replace advice from your child’s doctor or healthcare provider. Before starting any weight management program, consult with your pediatrician to ensure it’s appropriate for your child’s individual health needs. Children should never be put on restrictive diets without medical supervision. If you have concerns about your child’s weight or health, speak with a qualified healthcare professional.