IJFANS International Journal of Food and Nutritional Sciences

ISSN PRINT 2319 1775 Online 2320-7876

Assessing the Effectiveness of School-Based Nutrition Education Programs

Main Article Content

Dr. Shekhar M. Kumbhar, Mrs. Nutan J. Potdar, Mrs. Ujwala R. Mane

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of a nutrition education program on overweight adolescents, comprising 140 participants from four urban schools in Puducherry. Sociodemographic characteristics reveal a diverse participant profile, with a notable distribution across age groups, most females, and significant representation in the ninth standard. Moreover, a substantial proportion of participants identify as nonvegetarians.Baseline measurements of waist circumference (WC) indicate a mean WC of 68.76 in the study group, and 68.92 in the control group. Post-intervention at the fourth assessment, the study group displays a reduced mean WC of 68.92, while the control group maintains a stable mean WC of 69.87. The progressive decrease in mean WC within the study group underscores the positive impact of the nutrition education intervention.These findings emphasize the effectiveness of targeted nutrition education in reducing waist circumference among overweight adolescents, highlighting the potential for sustained health benefits. Despite study limitations, including demographic specificity, the results contribute valuable insights, supporting the implementation of such interventions in schools to address and prevent obesity-related health concerns among adolescents. Future research could explore the generalizability and long-term effects of nutrition education programs on diverse populations.

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