2.2. Study Groups
In the IG, a multicomponent intervention known as ALAS (Aliméntate y Actívate Sanamente or “Eat and activate yourself healthily”) was implemented from October 2013 to July 2014. The intervention involved children and their parents from participating schools [The educational materials of the different components promoted a less sedentary lifestyle and increased PA and contained messages aimed at encouraging active play, participating in sports for at least 1 h daily, walking as a way to get from place to place, and decreasing screen time to less than 2 h daily (Results of nutritional status assessments obtained through anthropometric and biochemical measurements were provided to all participants. The CG also received general recommendations on how to improve their eating and PA habits; this information was delivered in two printed sheets only at the beginning of the study. The recommendations focused on giving short messages about breakfast habits, school lunch, consumption of fruits, vegetables, and natural water, and limiting the consumption of sweet drinks; likewise, children were encouraged to perform physical activity as a family, help with chores from home, and walk instead of using transportation. In addition, it was recommended to reduce the time in front of screens. This group received the same educational intervention received by the IG for one year after the end of the study. However, the evaluation of impact of this intervention in the CG was not part of the study follow-up.