The Fit Study: Design and rationale for a cluster randomized trial of school-based BMI screening and reporting.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In the U.S., 25 states conduct body mass index (BMI) screening in schools, just under half of which report results to parents. While some experts recommend the practice, evidence demonstrating its efficacy to reduce obesity is lacking, and concerns about weight-related stigma have been raised.

Methods/design

The Fit Study is a 3-arm cluster-randomized trial assessing the effectiveness of school-based BMI screening and reporting in reducing pediatric obesity and identifying unintended consequences. Seventy-nine elementary and middle schools across California were randomized to 1 of 3 Arms: 1) BMI screening and reporting; 2) BMI screening only; or 3) no BMI screening or reporting. In Arm 1 schools, students were further randomized to receive reports with BMI results

SUBMITTER: Madsen KA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6010055 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature