Introduction
weight-related behaviors
CHILDHOOD OBESITY
The rising prevalence of childhood obesity is well-documented [Consequently, programs for younger children (i.e., those under five) are gaining momentum in the early care and education (ECE) context [In response, our research team partnered with parents and staff of Head Start, a federally-funded school readiness program for young children of low-income U.S. households [Aligned with CHL’s theory of change, in this study we evaluate whether children in the intervention vs. the control experienced greater improvements in Body Mass Index z-score (BMIz) and weight-related behaviors (i.e., diet, physical activity, sleep, media use). We also examine whether parents experienced greater improvements in healthy weight parenting practices and empowerment for child health promotion during the intervention period relative to the control.