Obesity: Change Starts at School

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Childhood obesity is a major concern in the United States, leading to years of health problems for a growing population. But a new study finds small changes at school may help reduce the number of overweight kids.

New research reveals a school-based intervention program can cut the number of kids who gain weight in half.

The two year study was conducted in ten K-8 Philadelphia schools. Half of the schools implemented a nutrition policy, social marketing and parent outreach program. The other schools did not receive the programs.

The intervention was called the School Nutrition Policy Initiative. Steps that were taken include replacing soda with water, 100 percent fruit juice and low-fat milk. Snacks were capped at seven grams of fat and candy was eliminated. Teachers and students also received nutritional education. Kids were rewarded for eating healthy snacks. Families were also encouraged to eat healthy and be more physically active.

The study found after two years, only 7.5 percent of children became overweight in the intervention schools, compared with 15 percent of children who became overweight in the comparison schools. The intervention was even more effective in African American children. Study authors say this could be important for urban schools.

Researchers say despite the success of the program, the fact that 7.5 percent of children still became overweight suggest that stronger or additional interventions are still needed.

SOURCE: Pediatrics, 2008;121:e794-e802

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