American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance - AAHPERD

 Issue: September 2004

Childhood Obesity: Problems and Solutions
Tonia Van Staveren & Darren Dale

Abstract:
Schools and homes both play a role in contributing to the rising numbers of obese children. School teachers and administrators must do all they can to create a school environment that is conducive to children maintaining a healthy weight. Legislation designed to add quality physical education time to the school curriculum is imperative. Changes to school nutrition programs (including the addition of strong nutritional education programs) are equally important. This article also describes how the home environment contributes to obesity. Schools should assist parents to become more involved and better educated on the causes, consequences, and prevention of obesity. Unfortunately, the high prevalence of unhealthy foods and beverages in schools undermines parental efforts to provide nutritious foods to their children. The message to teachers is to stress the importance of being strong advocates for children’s overall health and well-being by vigorously promoting greater opportunities for physical activity and healthy eating.

Article category: Fitness