School-based nutrition and physical activity interventions among children and adolescents

The increasing prevalence of obesity, sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits among children and adolescents is very concerning. The main risk factors that lead to childhood weight problems and obesity are an increase in meals eaten outside of the home, a rise in access to high-fat foods, high consumption of energy-packed foods, a sedentary lifestyle or skipping breakfast. This is concerning, as obesity, inadequate physical activity (PA) and unhealthy diets are associated with chronic diseases. Therefore, promoting healthy eating and sufficient PA among children and adolescents has become a research priority and an important public health concern. The World Health Organization (WHO) considers schools a critical setting for improving public healthy eating and decreasing the risk of unhealthy weight gain in childhood. In particular, environmental interventions are recommended as they are more likely to lead to behavioural change. Thus, promoting adequate PA and a healthy diet among school-aged children is essential.

This research topic aims to collect the most updated and scientifically high-level research related to school-based interventions, which aim to increase the quality of diet and physical activity among children and adolescents. In this Research Topic entitled “School-based nutrition and physical activity interventions among children and adolescents”, we welcome original research articles, meta-analyses, and reviews on school-based interventions related to nutrition and physical activity among school-aged children and adolescents.

Topics may include, but are by no means limited to:

• School-based behavioural interventions to promote dietary improvements and physical activity uptake
• Sedentary behaviour among children and adolescents
• Children and adolescent’s diet quality and diet patterns