Objetivos:
Evaluar el impacto de un programa anual de educación alimentaria, actividad física y participación comunitaria sobre los indicadores de obesidad e hipertensión en niños de 11 años de la zona sur de Rosario.
Métodos:
Estudio longitudinal implementado durante el ciclo lectivo 2026 en escuelas primarias. El proyecto incluye:
- Escuela: clases semanales de hábitos saludables, apertura de playones para actividad extra programática y kioscos saludables alineados a la Ley de Etiquetado Frontal;
- Familia: talleres mensuales, materiales digitales y desafíos saludables con incentivos;
- Comunidad: articulación con clubes barriales, calles recreativas y una campaña diseñada por alumnos y familias.
Se medirán IMC (z-score), perímetro abdominal, presión arterial y hábitos alimentarios y de actividad física al inicio, mitad y final del año.
Resultados esperados:
Reducción del z-score de IMC, disminución de prevalencia de presión arterial elevada, incremento de actividad física y mejora en la calidad de la alimentación. Se espera una alta participación familiar y un fortalecimiento del entorno comunitario saludable.
Conclusión:
La intervención tiene potencial para generar mejoras sostenibles en salud infantil y constituye un modelo replicable para políticas orientadas a la prevención de obesidad y enfermedades crónicas desde la infancia.
Future Health Ambassadors: a school-, family-, and community-based intervention to prevent childhood obesity and hypertension in South Rosario
Dra.Julia Marquez
Introduction:
Childhood obesity is a major public health concern in Argentina and a key early determinant of hypertension, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Comprehensive school-based strategies complemented by family and community engagement have proven effective in improving health behaviors and reducing risk factors.
Objectives:
To evaluate the impact of a one-year nutrition education, physical activity and community engagement program on obesity and hypertension indicators in 11-year-old children living in South Rosario.
Methods:
A longitudinal study will be conducted throughout the 2026 school year. The intervention includes:
- School component: weekly healthy habits lessons, extended access to school sports courts and healthy kiosks aligned with Front-of-Pack Labeling Law;
- Family component: monthly workshops, digital educational tools and healthy challenges with incentives;
- Community component: partnerships with local sports clubs, participation in recreational streets and a health campaign co-designed by students and families.
Assessments (BMI z-score, waist circumference, blood pressure, dietary and physical activity habits) will be performed at baseline, mid-year and end-year.
Expected Results:
Reduction in BMI z-score, decrease in prevalence of elevated blood pressure, increased physical activity and improved diet quality. High family engagement and strengthened community support for healthy behaviors are anticipated.
Conclusion:
This integrated intervention is expected to produce sustainable improvements in child health and represents a scalable and replicable model for policies focused on preventing obesity and chronic disease from childhood.