CATCH Programs Reduce Obesity Rates in Children

The CATCH program produces sustainable behaviors that reduce obesity rates in children.

CATCH Programs are Sustainable

Five years after the CATCH main trial ended, the original CATCH elementary schools were once again studied in 1999. Was CATCH still being implemented? The study showed that CATCH was indeed effective. Factors that contribute to success are staff training, a program champion, and adequate administrative support and resources such as sufficient funding for materials and equipment (Osganian et al., 2003).

CATCH Behaviors are Sustainable

The impressive results of CATCH are that behaviors are maintained long after kids leave the CATCH Program. CATCH students were studied following their involvement in the program. Without any continued CATCH intervention, the students who had participated in CATCH maintained lower fat intakes and higher levels of physical activity compared to students who had not participated in CATCH (Nader et al., 1999).

Reduces Obesity Rates

Research conducted by Karen J. Coleman, Ph.D, showed that CATCH successfully slowed the epidemic increase in risk of obesity or overweight in school children exposed to CATCH.The study “Prevention of the Epidemic Increased in Child Risk of Overweight in Low-Income Schools: The El Paso Coordinated Approach to Child Health” is the first research demonstrating that CATCH works to halt the increase of obesity among youth (American Journal of Health Education, 2006). In the 2010 Travis County Trial , students enrolled in schools participating in the Coordinated Approach to Child Health trial that promoted community partnerships (CATCH BPC), saw an 8.3 percent decline in obesity and overweight rates. (Hoelscher et al. 2010).