Discussion: The West Midlands ActiVe lifestyle and healthy Eating in School children (WAVES) study is the first trial that
will examine the cost-effectiveness and long term outcomes of a childhood obesity prevention programme in a multiethnic
population, with a sufficient sample size to detect clinically important differences in adiposity. The intervention
was developed using the Medical Research Council framework for complex interventions, and outcomes are measured
objectively, together with a comprehensive process evaluation.
Trial registration: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN97000586 (registered May 2010).
Keywords: Cluster randomised controlled trial, Complex intervention, Childhood obesity prevention, Physical activity,
Healthy eating, Cost-effectiveness