Efforts to tackle childhood obesity by running programmes in schools will have limited benefits without backing from families, British experts have warned.
Projects in schools can be successful in improving a child’s eating habits and physical activity – but the changes may not be long-lasting, according to the analysis.
The conclusions have been reached in a study by Leeds Metropolitan University, UK, and the educational charity CfBT Education Trust.
Dr Geraldine Hutchinson, of the trust, said very few schemes had successfully involved the wider community outside schools.
She said: "School-based programmes have clearly been successful in improving children’s dietary and physical activity behaviours whilst they are in the controlled environment of a school.
"The issue is whether this translates into genuine behaviour and attitude change outside of school. It is unrealistic to expect schools to bring about long-lasting changes in children’s behaviours without support from families."
She added: "With limited time and resources it would make sense for future projects to involve more community links to encourage increased physical activity and improved dietary habits out of school."
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