WIC Research, Policy and Practice Hub WIC Research, Policy and Practice Hub

Health Impacts

Fit WIC: Programs to Prevent Childhood Overweight in your Community

FNS funded five state agencies through a competitive grant process to participate in Fit WIC. This report described the then-current childhood obesity epidemic, explained the Fit WIC assessment findings, outlined the five Fit WIC obesity prevention programs, and provided recommendations for future action.

Walking the Talk: Fit WIC Wellness Programs Improve Self-Efficacy In Pediatric Obesity Prevention Counseling

Using a pretest/posttest study design, the authors conducted a staff wellness pilot intervention program to improve staff self-efficacy in counseling WIC clients about childhood overweight in six sites of the California WIC Program. The results showed that intervention site staff were more likely to report that they felt their health habits were setting a good example for WIC clients. In addition, they were more motivated to eat healthy diets and be physically active. Furthermore, they felt more comfortable counseling WIC clients about how to improve their childs weight status and to be more physically active with their families.

Relationship of Child-Feeding Practices to Overweight in Low-Income Mexican-American Preschool-Aged Children

The purpose of the study was to understand the relationship between overweight status in low-income Mexican-American preschool-aged children and child-feeding practices, as well as other factors. The results indicated that birth weight, a mother's body mass index of 30 or above, and juice intake were positively related to overweight status. Children participating in the WIC Program were less likely to be overweight.

Feasibility and Benefits of a Parent-Focused Preschool Child Obesity Intervention

This study tested the feasibility and benefits of an intervention that promoted parental behaviors to prevent obesity in children enrolled in the WIC Program. The intervention was effective in increasing some of the behaviors. Results demonstrated that it was feasible to change parental behaviors through a multidimensional education intervention in a WIC clinic setting.

Counseling Latina Mothers of Preschool Children about Weight Issues: Suggestions for a New Framework

The authors ; aims were (1) to assess Latina mothers; health beliefs and attitudes regarding childhood weight issues and (2) to inform nutrition education methods. Among the findings were these key issues: The mothers found it difficult to acknowledge having an overweight child, and they believed that health and weight were not closely related. Results indicated that traditional nutrition counseling might be ineffective for Latina mothers. Reframing nutrition messages in terms of positive eating behaviors, rather than weight, might be more effective to improve health and weight status.

Childhood Overweight in a New York City WIC Population

The researchers estimated the prevalence of overweight in a population of young children enrolled in a New York City WIC Program. The findings showed that 40% of the children were overweight or at risk of overweight. In addition, Hispanic children were more than twice as likely to be overweight or at risk of overweight. Moreover, 2-year-olds were less likely to be overweight than were 3- and 4-year-olds. The researchers concluded that interventions should target young children and be culturally specific.