The University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children's Hospital released a report this week that raises serious questions about the helpfulness of school-based programs aimed at obesity prevention. The hospital polled 976 households with children ranging in age from 6-14. Of those who completed the survey, 82% reported that there was some type of prevention program being implemented in their child's school and 30% of those parents whose children are in a school with a prevention program reported that they had observed 'worrisome eating behaviors' in their children.
Most of the worrisome eating behaviors covered in the survey were found to have no association with the obesity prevention program. However, a correlation was found between parents who believe their children exercise too much and exercise incentive programs.
Additionally, 7% of the parents reported that their children had been made to feel bad about what or how much they are eating.
While there are certainly limitations to these findings (a relatively small sample size and little is included in the report about exactly what types of programs these children are in), this survey does raise important questions about the efficacy of obesity prevention programs and whether or not they may actually be promoting unhealthy behaviors. It also underscores the importance of researching these programs and the importance of parental involvement so that any worrisome behaviors or symptoms of eating disorders can be addressed early.
If you are a parent or student, have you noticed negative effects from obesity prevention programs?
Source:
C.S. Mott Children Hospital National Poll on Children's Health. School Obesity Programs May Promote Worrisome Eating Behaviors and Physical Activity in Kids.
