CDC Guidelines Shown to Prevent Childhood Obesity

March 9, 2005 - Schools that implement nutrition guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are effective in preventing childhood obesity, according to research published in the American Journal of Public Health.

Researchers conducted height and weight measurements and assessed the dietary intake and physical activity level of 5200 fifth grade students in public schools. Student comparisons were conducted by which school they attended.

Schools were classified into one of three categories:

Schools without nutrition policies
Schools with nutrition policies that offer healthy menu options and
Schools that implemented a coordinated school health program that incorporated CDC recommendations for healthy eating programs.

When compared to schools without nutrition programs, students in schools that incorporated a CDC coordinated school health program exhibited:

Lower rates of overweight and obesity
Higher intake of fruits and vegetables
Less calorie intake from fat
Higher nutritional quality intake
Higher levels of physical activity
Less participation sedentary activities

However, students in schools that incorporated only healthy menu policies did not have lower body weights or better dietary intake than students in schools without any nutrition policy. The research suggests that solely offering healthy options may not be enough to motivate children to choose healthier items and schools need more integrated strategies to promote healthy eating.

CDC Guidelines
The CDC guidelines for school health programs promoting healthy eating encourage local policies that include school-wide effort and community support. The guidelines include seven key components to ensure an effective nutrition policy within a coordinated school health program:

Policy
Nutrition education curriculum
Instruction to students that encourage participation
Integration of foodservice and nutrition education
Training for school staff
Community and family involvement
Program evaluation

The CDC recommends that school districts assess their local needs and community issues when developing a program. School districts should work with key constituents, including school officials, community leaders and students to develop the most effective and relevant local nutrition program.

By Samia Hamdan, MPH, RD

Hamdan is the ASFSA research associate. She is a Registered Dietitian with a master’s degree in public health and bachelor’s degrees in journalism and dietetics. Hamdan is also co-editor for the DC Dietetic Association Potomac Post newsletter and Secretary for the American Dietetic Association Public Health Practice Group.

Source: http://www.asfsa.org/newsroom/sfsnews/obesitycdcprevent.asp