1. Presented by Kara Viggiano, MPH Choose to Change
Choose to Change: An Early Childhood Obesity Intervention Prevention Project in West Virginia with Focus on Healthy Lifestyle Modification
Presented by
Kara Viggiano, MPH
Choose to Change

2. Choose to Change Description
The Choose to Change Project
Early childhood obesity prevention study,
uses an ecological approach to explore individual, family, and environmental factors that influence weight status
Prekindergarten (Pre-K) populations
Biometric data, surveys and program evaluations were used to indicate the health improvements families made during each intervention.

3. Project Objectives
Identify environmental and behavioral factors that act as barriers to attainment of recommended physical activity (PA) levels in childhood.
Implement and evaluate obesity prevention strategies.
Increase community knowledge and awareness of healthy food and physical environments
Conduct pediatric obesity prevention educational events.

4. Family Fun Events Four events held throughout the school year
Choosy Families Eat Together
Choosy Families Play Together
Choosy Families Cook Together
Healthy Summer Fun
During each event, parents attended an informational session while children enjoyed activities related to the theme.
Special guest Choosy, a health hero, attended events.
Families were given a Choose to Change bag containing informational materials from that session as well as a book to read to their children
Materials were mailed to participants who did not participate in family fun events

5. Evaluations/Surveys
Evaluations were administered during the family fun events
Online validated surveys were taken by participants at the beginning and end of each respective cohort.
Family Food Habits Survey
Consumer Behavior Survey
Twin Cities Walking Survey
Block Survey – Food Frequency
Preschool Aged Children Physical Activity Questionnaire
Home Food Gardening Survey
Food Security Survey
Diet History Questionnaire II
Health Status Survey

6. Preliminary Results
This slide is about Family Food Habits

7. Preliminary Results
This slide has information about

8. Preliminary Results

9. Lessons Learned
Families in attendance reported intentions to change behaviors such as making changes to sit down and have meals as a family, cook as a family, and participate in more physical activities as a family.
When parents focus on specific healthy lifestyle behaviors and skills, they report intention to practice the behavior.
Research more about the families’ habits that make them successful.