This protocol describes a cluster randomized controlled trial in six Suzhou kindergartens that will test whether a 1-year multifaceted, multilevel intervention (health education, dietary guidance, increased physical activity) reduces BMI, BMI z scores, and body fat percentage in children aged 3 to 6 years, with follow-up through June 2032; no outcome results are reported yet.
Key Findings
Methods
The paper is a trial protocol and reports no efficacy results; it sets out the design of a cluster randomized controlled trial of a multifaceted obesity intervention among preschool children in Suzhou, China.
Children aged 3 to 6 years in Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province are included.
Three kindergartens were randomly assigned to the intervention group and 3 other kindergartens to the control group.
The stated aims are to investigate the prevalence and pathogenic factors of obesity among preschool children in Suzhou and to develop a comprehensive, multifaceted integrated intervention program.
Background
The rationale is that obesity among preschool children in Suzhou is rising and that evidence-based, personalized, multicomponent intervention strategies for children with overweight or obesity remain inadequately established in current practice.
The abstract describes the rising prevalence of preschool obesity as a critical public health concern in Suzhou.
The study is intended to provide a scientific basis for obesity prevention and control.
Methods
The planned 1-year intervention combines health education, dietary guidance, and increased physical activity using a multilevel approach involving children, families, schools, communities, and society.
Children participate in health education and physical activity courses in the kindergarten.
Parents receive educational materials online.
Parental education and regular assessment of knowledge, attitudes, and practices are key components of the family-based intervention.
Methods
The primary outcome is the between-group difference in BMI, BMI z scores, and body fat percentage at the end of the intervention.
Body measurements will be taken at baseline, 6 months, 12 months, and thereafter.
Questionnaires for both parents and children will evaluate their own health behaviors.
Short-term effectiveness and long-term sustainability in improving obesity-related indicators and preventing overweight will be assessed.
Methods
The trial timeline includes ethical approval in March 2025, baseline assessment from March to June 2025, an intervention ending June 2026, and noninterventional follow-up until June 2032.
The study received ethical approval in March 2025.
Baseline assessments were conducted from March to June 2025, followed by initiation of the intervention.
Annual surveys will be conducted during the long-term follow-up period through June 2032.
Conclusions
The authors anticipate that results will provide scientific evidence for intervention strategies for childhood overweight and obesity and inform treatment guidelines in China.
The program will test the effectiveness of comprehensive multifaceted interventions on children.
Results are expected to offer practical references for formulating and improving childhood obesity treatment guidelines in China.
What This Means
This paper describes the plan for a study rather than its results. Researchers in Suzhou, China, are testing whether a year-long program can help prevent or reduce overweight and obesity in children aged 3 to 6. Six kindergartens were split into two groups of three: one receives the program and the other does not, so the two can be compared.
The program combines health education, dietary guidance, and more physical activity. Children take part in classes at kindergarten, while parents receive educational materials online and are periodically asked about their knowledge, attitudes, and habits. The researchers will measure BMI, BMI z scores (BMI adjusted for age and sex), and body fat percentage at the start, at 6 months, at 12 months, and then yearly until 2032 to see whether any effects last.
Because no results have been reported, this research cannot yet say whether the program works. The authors hope the findings will eventually help shape guidelines for treating and preventing childhood obesity in China.
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Yang P, Wang Y, Jiang X, Ding Z, Zhang L, Bao X, et al.. (2026). A Multifaceted Intervention to Reduce Obesity Among Preschool Children in Suzhou City: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.. JMIR research protocols. https://doi.org/10.2196/94697