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Feasibility of a Healthy Lifestyle Program (Athletes for Life) in Mexicali, Baja California
Sponsor: Universidad Autonoma de Baja California
Summary
Childhood obesity affects 36.6% of children in Mexico and nearly 50% in Baja California. Traditional weight-centered interventions yield modest and unsustainable results. In contrast, improving cardiorespiratory fitness provides broad health benefits independently of weight loss. This quasi-experimental study assesses the feasibility and viability of Athletes for Life (AFL)-a community- and family-based behavioral program for parent-child dyads in Mexicali-comparing its overall impact against a control group.
Official title: Impact of a Binational Healthy Lifestyle Program in Underserved Communities in Mexicali, Baja California: The Athletes for Life Program (AFL-Mexicali)
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
6 Years - 12 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
14
Start Date
2024-05-23
Completion Date
2025-10-03
Last Updated
2026-09-29
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Interventions
Healthy lifestyle program
The AFL program in Mexicali is a family-based healthy lifestyle behavioral program aimed at improving physical fitness, physical activity level, diet quality, and metabolic risk indicators. Structure \& Phases: Features a 9-month active phase (biweekly 1.5-hour sessions progressing through beginner, intermediate, and advanced stages) followed by a 3-month sustainability phase with weekly remote check-ins. * Behavioral Framework: Built on operant conditioning and socioecological models using goal setting, point/reward systems, positive reinforcement, and healthy food environments. * Core Components: Nutrition Education: Teaches portion sizes, food groups, and beverage choices (45 minutes for adults, 10 minutes for children). Physical Exercise: Focuses on physical conditioning, motor skills, and sports like soccer, volleyball, and baseball (45 minutes for adults, 80 minutes for children). Olympic Events: Celebratory family physical activity events held at the end of each stage.
Control group
The control group did not receive any AFL program content throughout the study period. Instead, participating families received monthly 90-minute health-promotion sessions consisting of educational presentations and simple activities aimed at promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors, with a focus on physical activity and nutrition.
Locations (1)
Universidad Autonoma de Baja California
Mexicali, Estado de Baja California, Mexico