New School Health Policy Guide for Preventing Childhood Obesity

July 24, 2009—The National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE) has published a policy guide to help school leaders and policymakers better prevent and address childhood obesity. 

The U.S. is facing a serious childhood obesity epidemic – the latest data indicates that 31.9 percent of children and adolescents ages 2 to 19 are obese or overweight.  Childhood obesity is associated with a plethora of health, social and economic consequences.  Obese and overweight children are more likely to suffer from serious health conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer, as well as social and psychological problems not only during childhood but throughout their adult lives as well.  Obese children are two to three times more likely to be hospitalized and have about three times more medical expenses than the average insured child.  Moreover, research shows that childhood obesity is linked to many factors that affect academic performance, such as attendance rates, self-esteem and mental health, bullying, physical fitness, and nutrition status. 

The NASBE policy guide, Preventing Childhood Obesity: A School Health Policy Guide, lists these and other public health, economic, and academic impacts as a rationale for schools to prevent childhood obesity.  But, according to the guide, schools cannot and should not be expected to conquer the obesity crisis alone.  To effectively fight and prevent obesity, policymakers face an enormous challenge that requires a combined action between schools, communities, and families.  Schools, therefore, have the responsibility to work with parents, state and local government, and communities to take the necessary steps to address the epidemic. 

The guide outlines principles of obesity prevention in the school environment—which include implementing effective physical activity and healthy eating policies and programs–and offers strategies and model policies to address those issues.  The section on physical education and activity includes ideas for tackling body mass index screening and highlights three important principles of comprehensive physical activity policies: 1) Providing students with the knowledge and skills necessary to remain physically strong and healthy; 2) Providing opportunities for students to be active during the school day; and 3) Motivating students to be active on a daily basis. 

The section on nutrition and healthy eating provides ideas for addressing federal meals programs, competitive foods, nutrition education, and health education, and includes an integrated model policy to promote healthy eating.  In addition, the publication offers next steps for state policymakers in: implementing local wellness polices; providing professional development and support for teachers and staff; and engaging families and communities. 

Source: NASBE website