Abstract
Obesity has reached epidemic proportions due to changes in the diet and lifestyles of the average child. The prevalence of childhood obesity has more than doubled in the past 20 years leaving 43% of Tennessee’s children overweight or obese (1). Obesity has significant short term and longterm health consequences for children. Children suffering from obesity are at higher risk for health problems such as high cholesterol, hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, polycystic ovary syndrome, and emotional issues (Tennessee Coordinated School Health Annual Report, 2006). The objective of this study decreased 4th and 5th graders BMI and/or cholesterol, changed exercise behaviors, and taught families about better eating habits and activity levels. This study involves 4th and 5th grade students at a local elementary school in Knoxville. Because 86% of the 4th grade students and 80% of the 5th grade students are overweight or obese, this program’s intervention targets changing nutrition, physical activity, and parental participation. The purpose was to determine how intervention could increase the awareness and healthy food choices in students and increase positive health benefits in young children. All 4th and 5th graders at this school were screened using the Cardiac Kids program(Coronary Artery Risk Detection in Appalachian Community) to measure BMI, blood pressure, glucose, total cholesterol, and HDL. A pre-test and post test were given to the parents to determine the use of Nutrition tools in the home and also food safety and food chosen when shopping at the grocery store. Results show that those who participated in the program increased their awareness of Nutrition tools and began buying more healthy foods. Findings suggest that people need to become more aware of the healthy foods around them and gain a better understanding of their resources in order to provide their children with the appropriate foods to ensure healthy lifestyles for a growing youth.
(1) Hoelscher DM, Feldman HA, Johnson CC, Lytle LA, Osganian SK, Parcel GS, Kelder SH, Stone EJ, Nader PR. (2004). School‐based health education programs can be maintained over time: Results from the CATCH Institutionalization study. Prev Med, 38, 594‐606.
