School Based Nutrition and Exercise Program

Abstract

Childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past 30 years and remains high among both boys and girls of all ages and racial and ethnic groups (Koebnick & Heller, 2010).Childhood obesity is a predictor of obesity during adulthood and is strongly linked to given a pre-test to assess their knowledge base about healthy food choices, their activity levels, as well as to record a baseline weight. At the conclusion of the program a posttest was given. The majority of the children (n=l5) scored the same or higher on the posttest and acknowledged increased knowledge of healthy food choices and increased activity level. Most (n =14) either remained at the same weight or gained weight, a fmding which was expected because the children were in a growth phase and weight losswas not an objective of the program. Overall, the program proved to be successful. The children stated (n= l7) that they enjoyed the program, learned some new strategies when choosing a snack, and tasted some new foods that they will continue to eat.Recommendations for further programs would include parent involvement to enhance success. Further research should focus on the effects of programs targeting not just school age but pre-school children 3-5 years of age. There has been expansion of public policy specific to the issue of obesity such as beverage regulation and snack choices available to children, but further change needs to continue in order to have an impact on obesity. The choices offered to our youth today have an impact on obesity both short and long term.