Club Fit: Physical Activity and Healthy Eating at an After School Program

Background: Youth from low-income and minority families are disproportionately affected by
obesity and its complications. This study presented pilot work to develop and implement a
multi-component physical activity and healthy eating intervention at a Boys & Girls Club
(BGC) after school program.

Methods: Using a community-based participatory approach, BGC staff and academic researchers
developed intervention components informed by formative studies and based on a social
ecological theory framework. Components included healthy eating and physical activity policy
implementation, staff training, a challenge/self-monitoring program for healthy behaviors, a
peer-coaching program for healthy behaviors, and a social marketing campaign. Preliminary
intervention efficacy was assessed through a single group, pre-post study design with
measured collected at baseline and 6 months.