Management of childhood obesity through a Family-School-Healthcare linkage: protocol for an interventional study

Background Childhood Obesity has emerged as a global health crisis with increasing prevalence. Despite advancements in understanding and addressing this issue, considerable gaps remain in the assessment and management strategies for childhood obesity. This study aims to establish a Family-School-Healthcare linkage management model to overcome these deficiencies and evaluate its effectiveness in preventing and managing obesity among children and adolescents. Design and Methods This Family-School-Healthcare linkage management study, based on "Dietary intake, Regular exercise, Education, Assessment, and Monitoring" (DREAM) framework, is a two-arm, open-label, interventional study conducted over the course of one academic year among children and adolescents. Eligible schools and students will be enrolled and assigned to one of two groups. The intervention group will receive a comprehensive DREAM intervention based on the Family-School-Healthcare linkage model, while the control group will follow conventional practices without additional interventions. The primary outcome is the change in body mass index (BMI) from baseline. Secondary outcomes include changes in the prevalence of obesity, body shape characteristics indicators (such as waist circumference, hip circumference, etc.), body composition, and metabolic indicators. Discussion The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the Family-School-Healthcare linkage management model for addressing childhood obesity. Through this approach, the study aims to contribute to the development and exploration of childhood obesity management models for future interventions. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR), ID: ChiCTR2300076418. Registered on 08 October 2023.