Auswirkungen einer Ernährungs‑, Sport- und Lifestyleintervention auf die Gesundheitsparameter von Volksschulkindern: das EDDY-Kids-Projekt 2019

The prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing dramatically in Austria and worldwide. Overweight and obesity are risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and more. In the EDDY-Kids prevention project, parameters such as BMI and body composition of 8‑ to 12-year-old children were measured before and after the intervention and compared with a control group to measure the effects of the nutritional, sports and lifestyle intervention.

Anthropomorphic data of 125 pupils were measured at baseline (t0) and after 6 months (t1). The results are presented as mean values and compared with each other. Testing for significance was carried out using t‑tests.

There was an average BMI increase of 0.484 kg/m² (intervention) and 0.4971 kg/m² (control). The t‑test showed no significance (p = 0.947). In terms of body composition, there was an average decrease in body fat percentage of—1.49% (intervention) and −0.078% (control). Fat mass increased on average by +0.08 kg (control: +0.68 kg), lean mass by +2.62 kg (control: +1.77 kg), and muscle mass by +2.49 kg (control: +1.68 kg). T‑tests showed a significant change in body fat percentage and muscle mass. Also, a reduction in obese children of –21.43% in the intervention group was recorded.

The intervention group showed a greater reduction in body fat percentage and a greater increase in muscle mass than the control group. However, it should be noted that the two groups had different average ages (control: 8.7119; intervention: 9.8333). Further studies will be necessary to confirm the results and develop suitable preventive measures.