Childhood Obesity the Role of the School

Childhood Obesity

The Role of the School in Fighting Childhood Obesity

According to the Centers for Disease Control, childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past thirty years (2010). The long-term health impacts are significant and include greater risk of cardiovascular disease and bone and joint problems. Obese youth are more likely than youth of normal weight to become overweight adults and therefore at greater risk for the problems faced by obese adults, including heart disease, stroke, several types of cancer, and osteoarthritis. Children and adolescents who are obese often experience social and psychological problems. They may be teased, ostracized or bullied by peers because of their weight and suffer poor self-esteem as a result. The problem of childhood obesity is a medical problem and it is a social and cultural one as well. Today's children spend less unstructured time playing outdoors than children of past generations. Families, headed by single working parents or a working couple, often avail themselves of more processed and fast foods in efforts to save time. A more sedentary lifestyle combined with higher caloric intake results in increased weight gain. La Merrill and Birnbaum (2011) and others have found links to childhood obesity and environmental chemicals. There are a number of factors that contribute to childhood obesity and no simple solutions. However, schools can take an important role in fighting the epidemic by educating children and leading by example.

Nauta, Byrne & Wesley (2009) noted there is little research demonstrating the role school nurses play in fighting childhood obesity but examined anecdotal evidence suggesting that nurses can be instrumental in making changes. The researchers found in their survey of New Jersey-based school nurses that most felt competent to identify children with serious weight problems and to recommend weight control programs to families (p. 28). The nurses also felt they could contribute significantly to health care curricula designed to educate students about healthy lifestyle choices. The Centers for Disease Control recommends that schools implement a Coordinated School Health Program with a designated school health coordinator (2010); the school nurse is a natural choice for this role.

Li and Hooker (2010, p. 102) pointed out that health care professionals can collaborate with the organizers of physical activities to help encourage students to be active and to develop good lifelong habits. Physical education classes are mandated in many schools, but after-school and summer activities should also be considered. Li and Hooker further pointed out that teachers can work with nurses to discuss both health concerns and positive lifestyle choices with families to help make a difference in the lives of students. The researchers maintained that school superintendents can work with local agencies and governments to help effect changes. Schools can take a lead since the combined efforts and collective strength of schools, families, and communities are needed to reverse obesity trends" (Li and Hooker, p. 102).

British celebrity chef Jamie Oliver started a foundation to create attention and support for a movement against childhood obesity through better nutrition. On his "Food Revolution" website, he charges Americans to sign the petition demanding "better food at school and better health prospects" (Oliver, n.d.). A link on his website encourages viewers to register their comments on new, healthier school lunches which will be forwarded to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The goal is to eliminate excess sodium, saturated fat and calories from school lunches and incorporate healthy foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables and low-fat milk.