The GReat-Child™ Trial: A Quasi-Experimental Intervention on Whole Grains with Healthy Balanced Diet to Manage Childhood Obesity in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Abstract

Background: The GReat-Child Trial was a quasi-experimental intervention that has emphasized whole grain as a strategy to manage childhood obesity. Methods: Two schools in Kuala Lumpur with similar demographic characteristics were assigned as intervention (IG) and control (CG). Eligibility criteria were overweight/obese children aged 9 to 11 years who had no serious co-morbidity. Children who reported consuming wholegrain foods in their 3-day diet-recall during screening were excluded. A total of 63 children (31 IG; 32 CG) completed the entire intervention program. The IG children underwent six 30-min nutrition education lessons and had school delivery of wholegrain food on a daily basis over a 12-week period. Parents of IG children attended 1-h individual diet counseling. Anthropometric outcomes including BMI-for-age z-score (BAZ), body fat percentage and waist circumference were measured at baseline [T0], post-intervention [T1] (3rd month) and follow-up [T2] (9th month). Results: IG showed significantly lower BAZ (weighted difference: −0.12; 95% CI: −0.21, −0.03; p = 0.009), body fat percentage (weighted difference: −2.6%; 95% CI: −3.7, −1.5; p < 0.001) and waist circumference (weighted difference: −2.4 cm; 95% CI: −3.8, −1.0; p = 0.001) compared to CG. IG reported significantly lower body fat percentage (weighted difference: −3.4%; 95% CI: 1.8, 5.0; p < 0.001) and waist circumference (weighted difference: −2.1 cm; 95% CI: −3.7, −0.5; p = 0.014) at T1 compared to T0. Conclusions: The GReat-Child Trial made a positive impact in managing childhood obesity. It can be incorporated into childhood obesity intervention programs that are being implemented by the policy makers.

Effect of Food Environment Interventions on Anthropometric Outcomes in School-Aged Children and Adolescents in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Three trials were conducted in China ( 15–17 ), while two studies were conducted in Thailand ( 18 , 19 ) and two studies in Mexico ( 20 , 21 ). The remaining trials were conducted in the following countries: Brazil ( 22 ), India ( 23 ), South Africa ( 24 ), Turkey ( 25 ), Malaysia ( 26 ), Lebanon ( 27 ), Tonga ( 28 ), Fiji ( 29 ), Iran ( 30 ), and Argentina ( 31 ) ( Table 1 ). All studies were conducted in a school setting, of which 13 were in urban areas.…”

A Research Protocol of Hands-On Healthy Meal Preparation Intervention (Kidchen Study) to Improve Children’s Nutritional Outcomes

“…The sample size required for the present study is 32 per group. Taking into account of noncompliance and dropout rate of 50% (Koo et al 2018), the required sample size for each group is increased to 48; therefore, the total number is 96. Any children that wish to drop-out can do so, with the reasons being noted for documentation.…”

(Factors Influencing Sustainability of Juara Sihat Obesity Intervention from the Perspective of Children: A Qualitative Study

“…Di Malaysia, beberapa intervensi obesiti kanak-kanak telah dijalankan untuk menangani masalah obesiti kanakkanak di sekolah. Sebagai contoh, program GReat-Child™ Trial merupakan sebuah intervensi multi-komponen yang berlangsung selama 12 minggu dan berfokus kepada bijirin penuh bagi menangani masalah berlebihan berat badan dan obesiti dalam kalangan kanak-kanak melalui pengambilan makanan sihat, khususnya makanan bijirin penuh (Koo et al 2018). Selain itu, program intervensi H.E.B.A.T!…”