Healthy eating programs in early childhood education and care (ECEC) settings, such as preschools and day care centers, may potentially improve children’s diet quality and reduce the risk of overweight and obesity. However, more research is needed to strengthen and optimize these interventions, according to a recent comprehensive review by Cochrane.
The review, which examined 52 studies encompassing 58 different healthy eating programs, found that these interventions could slightly enhance children’s diet quality and are likely to increase fruit consumption. However, the impact on vegetable consumption and the consumption of less healthy foods and sugar-sweetened beverages remains uncertain, highlighting areas for future improvement.
Significantly, the interventions studied were found to possibly reduce child weight and the risk of overweight and obesity, key indicators of future health. Nevertheless, there was little to no difference in body mass index (BMI) and BMI z-scores, two widely used measures of weight status, suggesting that these programs may not lead to changes in these metrics.
The authors emphasized several limitations in the existing evidence. These include diverse program methodologies and potential bias in self-reporting. Additionally, many studies had missing data for children in follow-up periods, indicating gaps that need addressing in future research.
In light of these findings, the authors advocated for more robust and comprehensive studies exploring specific intervention components, their cost-effectiveness, and potential adverse outcomes. This would further our understanding of the most effective strategies in these programs and how they can be implemented equitably.
In conclusion, while healthy eating programs in ECEC settings hold promise for promoting healthier dietary habits among young children and potentially reducing the risk of overweight and obesity, more research is crucial. As future studies shed more light on these interventions, we can hope to see more children benefit from improved dietary habits and better health prospects.