Cities for Better Health Childhood Obesity Prevention Initiative in JAPAN

Launched by CHIBA UNIVERSITY · Jul 2, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is focused on preventing childhood obesity in children aged 6 to 12 years who attend public elementary schools in Chiba City, Japan. The study aims to find out if a program that encourages healthier eating, more physical activity, and better overall well-being can help lower children’s body weight relative to their age and improve their quality of life over one and two years. Researchers will compare schools that use this program with those that don’t, to see if the activities make a positive difference for the children.

Children who are eligible must be between 6 and 12 years old, attend one of the participating schools, and have parents or guardians who agree to be part of the study and understand the information in Japanese. Kids should be healthy enough to participate in school and community activities like nutrition lessons and exercise programs. Those with serious health issues or who might move away during the study won’t be able to join. If selected, children will have their health and habits checked at the start, then again after one and two years, and may take part in various fun and educational activities designed to support a healthier lifestyle.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Children aged 6 to 12 years who are currently enrolled in one of the public elementary schools located within the 22 participating Junior High School District clusters in Chiba City.
• • The parent or legal guardian of each child must provide written informed consent prior to participation.
• • Parents or legal guardians must have sufficient Japanese language proficiency to understand study procedures, complete questionnaires, and provide accurate information during the study.
• • Children must be physically and cognitively capable of participating in school- and community-based activities involved in the intervention.
• • Participants must not have any medical conditions that would preclude safe participation in routine physical activities promoted by the intervention.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Children whose parents or legal guardians fail to provide complete informed consent.
• • Families who withdraw consent at any point during the study period.
• • Children who independently express refusal to participate, even with parental consent.
• • Children with serious physical, psychological, or developmental disorders that prevent them from participating safely in the program's activities.
• • Families planning to relocate outside of Chiba City during the study period, making follow-up assessment infeasible.