Key words: intervention, preschools, physical activity, implementation, impact

"The development, implementation and evaluation of an integrated overweight prevention approach for pre-schoolers: SuperFIT"

An intervention was developed to promote healthy nutrition and physical activity in pre-schoolers. In a cooperation of Maastricht University and practice partners SuperFIT was developed with continuous input from preschool teachers and parents. SuperFIT tried to align the preschool and home settings, in order to support healthy behaviour even more. SuperFIT was implemented in twelve preschools in South-Limburg. The effects on weight and physical activity were studied. Further, the impact of SuperFIT in the preschool setting and the process of implementation were studied. At preschool days, the children participating in SuperFIT were more physically active compared to a control group. This was not the case for overall physical activity. There were no differences between the groups for weight. SuperFIT had an impact in the preschool setting. More time was spent actively, and preschool teachers’ behaviour supported healthy behaviour in pre-schoolers more. Many factors influenced the implementation process. The long duration of SuperFIT supported the integration in daily practice.