Note from Connie: Learn about this fascinating program where schools in Philadelphia implemented a nutrition program in Philadelphia and subsequently rates of obesity among school children dropped by 50%.
According to research published in the journal Pediatrics, schools in Philadelphia banned soda, educated staff and families about nutrition and rewarded kids for eating well with raffle tickets, where winners got prizes like bikes, basketball hoops, calculators, and jump ropes, researchers report. Schools in the study’s control group didn’t undertake these initiatives.
The findings show that a comprehensive approach to battling childhoold obesity in schools can make a significant difference, according to lead researcher Dr. Gary D. Foster of Temple University.
The findings were fascinating. For instance, researchers found that 7.5 percent of the students in the program for two years were still overweight compared with nearly 15 percent of youngsters who were overweight after not making any changes.
This is really positive news showing that schools really can make a difference. If only more of them would follow suit.
Thanks to Amy Norton of Reuters Health for the tip.
Jennifer Moore for SUGAR SHOCK! Blog