Medical College of Georgia FitKid Project

This project will determine whether exposing youths to a "fitogenic" after-school environment that emphasizes vigorous exercise and healthy snacks will have a favorable effect on body composition (i.e., less fat tissue and more lean tissue), cardiovascular fitness and cardiovascular disease risk profile. The environmental intervention will be provided in nine schools in Augusta, Georgia, with another nine schools serving as non-intervention comparison schools. Children in the 3rd grade will be recruited to participate. They will be followed for 3 years, through the 5th grade. Measurements will be made at the beginning and end of each school year. The 2-hour after-school intervention will be offered every school day. It will consist of three components: (1) homework assistance; (2) a healthy snack; and (3) exercise designed to improve skills and fitness.