MEND feasibility trial

The MEND feasibility study (2002-2003) involved 11 children between the ages of 7-11 and their families and proved to be a huge success.  Measurements were taken at 0, 3 and 6 months and showed statistically significant improvements in health outcomes.

The results

• Reduced waist circumference
• Decreased blood pressure 
• Improved cardiovascular fitness levels 
• Increased self-esteem 
• Decreases in children's overall daily energy, sugar and fat intakes during the intervention period (not measured afterwards)

The majority of outcomes were not simply maintained but continued to improve during the follow-up, non-intervention phase.  This suggests that the programme may be successful in helping children to eat healthily and continue being physically active in the long-term.

The results of this study were written up in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, in the Obesity Reviews and in the Proceedings of the Nutrition Society.