The Effect of Family-Based Empowerment in Preventing Overweight and Obesity in Elementary School Children in Kupang

Background: The prevalence of overweight and obesity continues to increase in both developing and developed countries and occurs in all age groups. As well as being the biggest threat to public health, especially non-communicable diseases. Childhood is the most special period in life. It is almost certain that many health problems/illnesses experienced during this period will be carried on into adulthood. The causes of obesity in children are very complex; genetic, biological, psychosocial, behavioral and sociocultural factors. The impact of overweight and obesity on children is related to physical and psychological effects. Lifestyle modification which includes increasing knowledge, diet, physical activity, sedentary behavior, socio-cultural aspects is believed to be a strategy in preventing and controlling overweight and obesity. This study aims to examine the effect of family empowerment on the prevention of overweight and obesity in elementary school children. This research is a quasy experiment that is pre-test and posttest with control group design. Parallel design with one treatment group and one control group. The sample is determined by purposive random sampling. The research sample was overweight/obese children in elementary school grades 4, 5 and 6, totaling 112 people. Data were obtained through a structured questionnaire covering family abilities, knowledge, physical activity and nutritional intake. Nutritional status was measured after measuring body weight and height using digital scales. Eating patterns were measured using a food frequency questionnaire and a 24-hour recall formula. Results: The results showed that there were differences in family ability (p<0.016), knowledge (p<0.001), physical activity (p<0.015) and nutritional intake (p<0.000) in the treatment group and the control group after implementing the family empowerment intervention. Conclusion: Family-centered empowerment interventions through health education about overweight and obesity management have a positive impact on increasing family capacity, family knowledge, physical activity and changes in family eating patterns. It is necessary to implement lifestyle modifications in preventing and controlling overweight and obesity. Family-centered empowerment interventions through health education about overweight and obesity management have a positive impact on increasing family capacity, family knowledge, physical activity and changes in family eating patterns. It is necessary to implement lifestyle modifications in preventing and controlling overweight and obesity. Family-centered empowerment interventions through health education about overweight and obesity management have a positive impact on increasing family capacity, family knowledge, physical activity and changes in family eating patterns. It is necessary to implement lifestyle modifications in preventing and controlling overweight and obesity.