Table 3 School-based intervention studies in the UK

Be Smart [41]

Non-cluster pilot RCT 3 (213)

Age: 5-7; Area: Oxford

3 interventions with lessons to:

1. Promote healthy eating

2. Promote physical activity

3. Both 1 & 2

Improved knowledge and intake of fruit and vegetables with all interventions. No effect on BMI

APPLES [42]

Cluster RCT

10 (634)

Age: 7-11; Area: Leeds

Teacher training to promote healthy lifestyle; modification of school dinners & tuck shop; increased PE classes and playground activities

Modest increase in vegetable consumption. No effect on sedentary behaviour, physical activity, BMI

CHOPPS [43, 44]

Cluster RCT

6 (644)

Age: 7-11; Area: Dorset

Focused lesson based education programme aimed at discouraging the consumption of carbonated drinks

Mean difference in carbonated drinks comparing pupils from control to intervention schools: 0.7 glasses/3 days (95%CI:0.1, 1.3); mean difference in % overweight 7.7% (2.2, 13.1%)

Recent long-term follow-up (2 years after end of intervention): Mean difference in change in BMI z-score 0.10 (95%:0.00, 0.21) and in % overweight 4.6%(-4.3, 13.5%) comparing control to intervention

BEACHeS

Cluster RCT

Registered and was due to start 1/9/2010. Target sample

44 (1922)

Age 9-10; Schools with predominantly or large south Asian population

Area: Birmingham

Increase curricular based activity levels; health cooking sessions with parents; interaction with local football team (Aston Villa); information about local leisure facilities

N/A - trial currently underway