Pilot study of a comprehensive obesity intervention for preschool children based on digital-intelligence health technology

YAN Shiyu; ZHANG Li; YIN Chunjie; DUAN Xuexia; LI Yan; WANG Haijun

doi:10.11852/zgetbjzz2025-0995

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Chinese Journal of Child Health Care ›› 2026, Vol. 34 ›› Issue (1) : 10-16. DOI: 10.11852/zgetbjzz2025-0995

Column on physical activity and childhood weight management

Pilot study of a comprehensive obesity intervention for preschool children based on digital-intelligence health technology

YAN Shiyu¹, ZHANG Li², YIN Chunjie¹, DUAN Xuexia², LI Yan², WANG Haijun¹

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Abstract

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of a digital-intelligence health technology-based, multi-sector collaborative model (kindergarten-family-healthcare) for obesity intervention in preschool children, in order to provide practical insights and a scientific basis for future large-scale, high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Methods A total of 176 children aged 4 - 6 years from a kindergarten in Jinan, Shandong Province, participated in a 3-month weight management intervention starting in April 2025. The study established atripartite intervention system involving kindergartens, families, and healthcare institutions, supported by a digital-intelligence health platform developed by the research team. Based on baseline weight status and obesity-related behavioral risks, three intervention levels were implemented: Level 1 (general children) received routine health education and growth monitoring; Level 2 (high-risk children) additionally received individualized goal setting and behavioral feedback; Level 3 (overweight or obese children) further incorporated motivational interviewing and physician guidance. Changes in anthropometric indicators and obesity-related behaviors were assessed before and after the intervention. Results After the intervention, children's BMI and BMI Z-scores significantly decreased (by 0.15 kg/m²and 0.09, respectively, P<0.01), along with significant reductions in waist-to-height ratio and body fat percentage (P<0.01). Rates of overweight and obesity declined by 10.79%, 5.69%, respectively. Improvements in anthropometric measures were more pronounced among overweight and obese children. The number of children achieving the goals of reducing fried food intake and avoiding sugar-sweetened beverages increased (P<0.01). Among obese children, daily energy intake decreased by 286.44 kCal. There was also a trend toward increased physical activity and reduced sedentary time. Parents showed good compliance to intervention measures, with approximately 80% utilization of the digital-intelligent health platform and high satisfaction with participation. Conclusions A comprehensive obesity intervention model supported by a digital-intelligence health platform can effectively improve anthropometric indicators and obesity-related behaviors among preschool children. Larger and longer randomized controlled trials are warranted to further validate its effectiveness.

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preschool children / obesity / intervention / digital-intelligence health

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YAN Shiyu, ZHANG Li, YIN Chunjie, DUAN Xuexia, LI Yan, WANG Haijun. Pilot study of a comprehensive obesity intervention for preschool children based on digital-intelligence health technology[J]. Chinese Journal of Child Health Care. 2026, 34(1): 10-16 https://doi.org/10.11852/zgetbjzz2025-0995

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