Introduction: Prevention of
childhood obesity is a key approach to the primary prevention of noncommunicable diseases. Several models, based on population health approach and aligned with ecological models, are used to design
childhood obesity prevention programs around the world. The purpose of this study is to introduce the design and evaluation plan of
Iran Healthy Start (IHS)/Aghazi Salem, Koodake Irani -the customized Iranian version of Canadian Healthy Start/Deport Santé health promotion program- which is now being developed in Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (Mashhad, Iran), and focuses on improving
physical activity and
healthy eating amongpreschool children. Methods: The
intervention will be evaluated by a pilot randomized controlled design. The components of
intervention are including customized Decoda online resources for children, implementation guide for educators and managers, training and monitoring, communication and knowledge exchange, building partnership and
parent engagement. Outcomes include changes in anthropometry,
physical activity level, nutritional risk status and dietary intake and quality of life. Results: The project is funded in Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. The first results of IHS
intervention program is expected to be submitted for publication within coming twomonths. Double burden of malnutrition in early years children is a major health concern in developing countries. This justifies the need for health promotion programs that specifically designed to target both over- and under-nutrition prevention. If the efficacy approved,
Iran Healthy Start has the potential of a comprehensive health promotion program for young children whose life style behaviors can be improved toward a healthy future life in a nutrition transition setting. Conclusion: If the efficacy approved,
Iran Healthy Start has the potential of a comprehensive health promotion program for young children whose life style behaviors can be improved toward a healthy future life in a nutrition transition setting.