摘要：Background and Objective: Obesity is a major nutritional problem among adolescences and is becoming an epidemic. Globally, it is estimated that obesity is the fifth main cause of death and many factors underlie this problem. The rise in obesity prevalence in children and adolescents is due to environmental factors , such as diet and physical activity. This study aimed to examine a family-based empowerment model to prevent obesity in adolescents in Tana Toraja. Materials and Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study that was conducted using pre- and post-test measurements with a control group design. A total of 64 study participants were divided into two groups: 32 adolescents in the intervention group and 32 others in the control group. Data were obtained through a structured questionnaire regarding nutritional knowledge, attitude and behaviour. Nutritional status was determined after measuring weight and height by using digital scales. In addition, eating behaviours were measured using a food frequency questionnaire and 2 24 h recall forms. Results: The results showed that there were differences in nutritional knowledge (p< 0.001), nutritional attitudes (p<0.001) and nutritional behaviour (p<0.001) in both the intervention and control groups after the implementation of the family-based empowerment programme. The results of this study also showed that a family-based empowerment model for obesity prevention can be applied in the family and school settings in Indonesia. Conclusion: Nutritional education through the empowerment of families regarding the prevention of obesity has positive impacts on nutrition knowledge, attitudes and behaviour of adolescents, providing the tools to adopt an effective and controlled diet.
