Effects of Participatory Training Program on the Control of Overweight and Obesity in Female Adolescents

Adolescent obesity has become a serious public health challenge in the 21st century.The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a participatory training program on the control of overweight and obesity in female adolescents. One hundred female participants aged 12 to 14 years with overweight or obesity were recruited from four schools which were selected randomly from the list of all schools. The height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) of participants were measured. A training program which consisted of proper nutritional behaviors as well as balanced physical activities was proposed through educational tools and lectures to the experimental group. Besides, questioning and answering sessions as well as group discussion with health and nutrition experts were held. After the intervention, a significant difference was observed in the BMI of experimental group (26.39±3.06) compared with that of the control group (27.71±3.29). Also, the frequency of rice consumption (4.14±1.14), macaroni (121±0.40), eggs (2.15±0.92), meat (2.03±0.83) and chicken (2.06±1.008) significantly decreased after the intervention. Prior to the intervention, two groups were not significantly different in the terms of physical activity; however, a significant difference was found between the two groups after the intervention. According to the results of this study and the observed positive impact on the nutrition and physical activity patterns of adolescents, it seems that such training interventions in schools would be effective on preventing and controlling obesity as well as long-term health.