Levels of overweight and obesity fell significantly in a number of Dublin schools that took part in a targeted health programme, a new study has found.

The study by Trinity College Dublin (TCD) looked at seven primary schools in Tallaght in Dublin that had taken part in the Healthy Schools Programme over a three-year period.

The programme was coordinated by the Childhood Development Initiative (CDI) and focused on diet, exercise and mental health among both pupils and teachers.

The study found that 16% of children attending these intervention schools were obese compared to 25% in other schools. Furthermore, 10% of children in the intervention schools were considered overweight, compared to 16% of children in other schools.

Overall, almost three in four (73%) of children in the intervention schools were within the normal weight range for their age compared to just over half (58%) in the other schools.

Meanwhile the study also found that children attending the intervention schools appeared to have better social support and relationships with their peers, compared to children in other schools.

The researchers noted that the intervention took place between 2009 and 2011 and a study carried out at that time did not find any differences in health indicators. However, a follow-up study was recommended to see if any changes took place over time.

The results of this follow-up study revealed the differences in obesity levels.

"The results of this follow up study confirm the potential of a health-focused intervention to benefit children, however it has taken a number of years for its benefits to become evident," commented Prof Catherine Comiskey of TCD who carried out both the original and follow-up studies.

She said that this showed that when looking at the impact of such interventions, a medium-term view must be taken rather than a short-term view.

Meanwhile, according to CDI chief executive, Marian Quinn, if these interventions are to be successful, they need to be ‘embedded at the heart of all school policy, and not just be an ‘add on' for teachers'.

"We have learnt that it is not about just doing the intervention. Outcomes varied across the intervention schools based on how ready a school was to deliver the programme and how embedded it was within school activity," she said.

For more information on the CDI, click here