School Policies and Practices to Improve Health and Prevent Obesity

Posted by on February 19, 2012

A report from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Bridging the Gap program finds that more elementary schools are offering whole grains and low-fat milks for lunch; yet, there has been little progress to cut back on foods that are high in fat, sugar and/or sodium, such as pizza and deep-fried potatoes.

http://www.bridgingthegapresearch.org/_asset/92v1fd/ES_2012_execsumm.pdf

In the United States, nearly 20 percent of children ages 6 to 11 are obese, and an additional 16 percent are overweight.  The dramatic rise in childhood obesity rates over the past generation is clearly associated with environmental changes that do not support healthy eating habits or regular physical activity.

Schools play a key role in promoting children’s health. Research shows that the school food environment
impacts students’ dietary behavior and weight outcomes. As such, experts and children’s health advocates
have been working with policymakers to make schools healthier for students. School-based strategies
for preventing and reducing childhood obesity include: serving more nutritious foods and beverages during meals; removing sugar-sweetened beverages, candy and junk foods from campus; offering high-quality
physical education; and providing opportunities for students to be active before, during and after school.