Obesity in Italian children: monitoring and communicating to promote healthy life style

Introduction: In 2007 the Italian Ministry of Health promoted a national school-based nutritional surveillance system, called OKkio alla SALUTE, coordinated by the National Institute of Health. Information on dietary habits and physical activity were collected in children aged 8 and 9. After the first data collection in 2008, communication activities were planned. Methods: Data were collected using questionnaires addressed to children and parents and the children were weighed and measured by trained local health staff using standardized equipment. The IOTF cut-offs were used to define overweight and obesity and the prevalence of behaviours associated with obesity were evaluated. To communicate the results and give general advice a leaflet for parents, a kit for teachers and a poster for paediatricians were produced. Results: Of the 48176 students weighed and measured, 23.2% were overweight and 12.0% obese. 11% of the children did not have breakfast and 82% consumed mid-morning calorific snacks. 23% of parents said their children did not consume fruits and vegetables daily. 25% of the children practiced usually physical activity for one hour a week. Mothers correctly identified the status of 52% of overweight and 14% of obese children. The informative materials were tested on 813 parents, 49 schools and 176 pediatricians and distributed to the participants to the second data collection: 50000 parents, 2500 schools and 8000 pediatricians. Conclusion: This surveillance system is a valuable tool to monitor the obesity epidemic and children’s behaviour. Communication is an important part of a surveillance system