Search

Introduction Dietary transitions in the developing world are strongly linked to social and economical changes. Many of these changes relate to globalization; new food items, new marketing methods and new [...], Background/Objective: The recent rapid increase in childhood obesity rates suggests that a consideration of the role of the schools in addressing this problem is necessary. 'Fits me' program functions to promote eating daily and healthy breakfast among elementary school children. Methods: Separate children groups were sampled each year by clusters from seven regions around Israel. They filled a selfadministered questionnaire at the beginning of 2003, before the program started, and in 2003-2005, after the program. A separate sample was collected in 2006 in a case-control structure. The answer to the question: 'what do you eat for breakfast?' considered as a healthy breakfast if it included one of the following food items: A sandwich (not including chocolate, jam or butter), cereals, vegetable, fruit, egg and dairy product. Results: As compared with 2003 before the program, more children reported eating daily breakfast over the years (51-65% before and until 2005, respectively, P for trend Conclusions: After implementation an educational program to promote daily and healthy breakfast eating, the goal of a healthier breakfast was achieved. However, one should strive to define an exact definition of a healthy breakfast. European journal of Clinical Nutrition (2011) 65, 203-209; doi: 10.1038/ejcn.2010.247; published online 10 November 2010 Keywords: case-control; healthy breakfast; intervention program; school; survey