Program Overview

Introduction to the ENTREN-Galaxy Program

The ENTREN-Galaxy Program is an innovative, digital, and gamified intervention designed to improve the overall health of children with overweight problems and their families. Developed by the Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM), this program aims to address the growing issue of childhood obesity through a comprehensive and evidence-based approach.

Program Overview

ENTREN-Galaxy is the digital evolution of the ENTREN-F program, which was previously implemented and evaluated in primary care centers in the Community of Madrid. The new program maintains the methodological rigor of its predecessor while introducing digital technologies to increase participation, adherence, and accessibility.

Key Features

• Digital Platform: A custom-designed platform hosts the program's contents, automates processes, manages gamified missions, and facilitates continuous communication between professionals, families, and children.
• Gamification: The program uses a gamified approach to increase motivation and engagement among children, transforming challenges into opportunities through symbolic rewards, visual narratives, and interactive elements.
• Family-Centered: Parents participate in formative webinars and joint sessions, becoming active agents of change and reinforcing the idea that healthy habits are more effectively constructed within the family context.
• Scientific Validation: The program is backed by scientific research, with preliminary results indicating improvements in body self-esteem, reduction of emotional symptoms, healthier nutritional habits, and a significant increase in physical activity.

Program Structure

ENTREN-Galaxy is structured as a journey through the "Galaxy of Health," where children between 8 and 12 years old become explorers visiting different thematic planets. Each planet corresponds to a key module:

• Motivation for changing habits
• Difficulty in emotional regulation
• Improvement in healthy eating and physical activity
• Enhancement of social skills and problem-solving to address school bullying
• Understanding the influence on body self-esteem

Recognition and Validation

The program has been recognized with the 2nd Acc廥it of the NAOS Strategy 2024, awarded by the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition, distinguishing initiatives with high impact in promoting healthy habits and preventing obesity. It has also been valued with the 2nd Prize of Applied Research "Rafael Burgaleta" by the Official College of Psychology in its 32nd edition in 2025.

Conclusion

ENTREN-Galaxy represents a significant example of knowledge transfer from the university to society, combining scientific rigor, educational technology, and social commitment. The program demonstrates the potential for innovation and action in addressing complex issues like childhood overweight problems, serving as a bridge towards new forms of accompaniment, education, and health promotion in childhood and early adolescence.