Primary school healthy lifestyle promotion:Preventing childhood obesity and overweight through a participatory action research project

Background. In the last 30 years, childhood obesity has become a global issue. In Europe, Italy is particularly affected, especially among primary school-aged children. Post-COVID-19 reflections revealed the need for more research and collaboration to address this concerning issue for children health. <br/><br/>Aims. To understand parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals’ childhood obesity and overweight perceptions and to co-create an educational intervention. <br/><br/>Methods. A participatory research approach, combined with qualitative methods, was based on a high child obesity rate area of Southern Italy. <br/><br/>Results. Focus groups conducted in three primary schools involved teachers, parents, and healthcare professionals. The emerging themes, “Healthy lifestyle: a complex issue?”, “Fat Stigma and Prejudice” and “Possible Interventions”, paint a dramatic scenario and highlight that obesity prevention is effective only through the integrated involvement of all parties and the community playing a central role. Sharing results with stakeholders helped to draft prospective education interventions. <br/><br/>Conclusion. Collaboration between public and private parties and avoiding a blame culture by listening to the needs of families and children is crucial in preventing childhood obesity and overweight.