Main Menu
Community-wide approach may slow childhood obesity
If a whole community gets into, childhood obesity can be curbed. In a new report from Tufts University, the Eat Smart Play Hard ™ intervention program effectively controlled the weight gain and activity level of elementary aged school children. The kids gained less weight and were less likely to be obese or overweight than schoolchildren in two similar control communities.
Initiatives for the school, families and local business
Designed and implemented by researchers at Tufts, the Shape Up Somerville program targeted the city’s public school students in grades 1-3 and involved adults who shaped their daily lives. Initiatives changes school lunch menus, introduced nutritional education, increased energy expenditure in physical activity programs and worked with area restaurants to offer healthier menu options.
BMIs decreased by .06%
“These results are more meaningful than the modest reduction in weight gain suggests,” said Christina Economos, Vice Chair and Director of ChildObesity180, an organization that is committed to cross-sector partnerships that reverse childhood obesity. “The early years of elementary school are when we expect children to gain weight as they grow. What’s driving the child obesity rate is pervasive unhealthy weight gain in children at a young age, particularly in low-income and often culturally diverse communities where access and availability of healthy food and physical activity options are limited.”
Letting the community control the process
“We were very encouraged to see the data show progress in the second school year when we started to step back and the community took the reins,” Economos stated. “The fact that Shape Up Somerville remains a vibrant city program that has expanded significantly over the last eight years attests to its sustainability.”
It takes a village
“Reversing the child obesity rate requires widespread policy and environmental changes and involvement of just about everyone with a stake in the community; including children and families, schools, health professionals, business leaders, health insurers and policy makers,” continued Economos. “Shape Up Somerville and its enduring presence are a reflection of their buy-in.”
Source: MedicalNewsToday, Tufts University
This information is solely for informational and educational purposes only. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, family planning, child psychology, marriage counseling and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care or mental health care provider. Neither the owners or employees of NaturalFamilyOnline.com or the author(s) of site content take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, application of medication or any other action involving the care of yourself or any family members which results from reading this site. It is always best to speak with your primary health care provider before engaging in any form of self treatment. Additional information contained in our Legal Statement
Poll
What does your weekly dinner look like?
The whole family dines together at home
63%
The whole family dines together at a restaurant
1%
Parents and children eat separately
4%
Whoever is around eats together
21%
Every family member for themselves!
11%
Total votes: 5755