April 9, 2008
School Nutrition Program Reduces Incidence of Overweight in Students
 
A school nutrition program, The School Nutrition Policy Initiative, organized by the Philadelphia-based Food Trust has reduced the incidence of overweight among students in the target schools and was particularly effective with African American students according to a report published in the April issue of Pediatrics. The multi-component program included a school self-assessment; nutrition education for students, staff and families; nutrition policy development and related changes in food offerings at the target schools; incentives for students who purchased healthy foods and social marketing that re-enforced healthy decisions; and parent outreach to emphasize nutrition messages and promote physical activity.

The authors noted that: “There is some concern that school-wide obesity prevention programs may heighten body image concerns among youth and/or create more underweight children.” However, the authors continued, “Although the purpose of the intervention was the primary prevention of overweight and obesity, the emphasis was on eating well and moving more rather than weight control. This emphasis may have mitigated any potential adverse effects.” 

See: Gary D. Foster, et al. A Policy-Based School Intervention to Prevent Overweight and Obesity. Published on-line in PEDIATRICS Vol. 121 No. 4 April 2008, pp. e794-e802 (doi:10.1542/peds.2007-1365)
pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/abstract/121/4/e794