Abstract

In the southwestern corner of the United States, an urban interface between the U.S. and Mexico, a randomized community intervention trial known as "Aventuras para Niños" (Adventures for Children) tackled the environmental influences contributing to childhood obesity. Using a promotora (lay health advisor) model, the intervention sought to change the home, school and community environments of young Mexican-American children to improve their opportunities for both physical activity and healthy eating. The three-year intervention, implemented in two waves beginning in 2003 and 2004, was designed to achieve both behavioral and body weight outcomes. The research focused on Mexican-American children of ages 5-7, because they represent a population disproportionately affected by the obesity epidemic and young enough to provide a prevention opportunity before the adiposity rebound of the preteen years. Einleitung (gekürzt)