Managing Obesity in Schools

At a glance

  • Obesity affects nearly 1 in 5 young people aged 6–19 years in the United States.
  • Schools reach a majority of children and adolescents and can affect this trend.
  • Schools can involve people and places to help youth achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
  • A comprehensive school approach supports the health and well-being of all students by focusing on nutrition and physical activity.
Children playing on a playground.

Why it's important

In the United States, the percentage of children and adolescents affected by obesity has more than tripled since the 1970s.

In 2017–2018, about 1 in 5 school-aged children were affected by obesity:

  • 20.3% of 6–11 year-olds.
  • 21.2% of 12–19 year-olds.

Obesity among 2–19 year-olds:

  • 25.6% for Hispanic children.
  • 24.2% for Black children.
  • 16.1% for White children.
  • 8.7% for Asian children.

Many factors contribute to childhood obesity, including:

  • Metabolism—how your body changes food and oxygen into energy it can use.
  • Eating and physical activity behaviors.
  • Community and neighborhood design and safety.
  • Short sleep duration.
  • Negative childhood events.

Genetic factors cannot be changed. However, people and places can play a role in helping children achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Changes where young people spend their time—homes, schools, and community settings—can enable youth to access nutritious foods and be physically active.

Addressing obesity in schools

Schools are a priority setting for obesity prevention efforts because they reach the vast majority of school-aged youth. They provide regularly scheduled options for physical activity and offer nutritious foods in school meal programs.

Schools can adopt in-school and after-school programs, policies, and practices that are cost-effective and cost-saving, helping students:

  • Eat more fruits and vegetables.
  • Consume fewer foods and beverages high in added sugars or solid fats.
  • Increase daily minutes of physical activity.

In-person learning offers children consistent access to: physical activity opportunities; healthy meals; and services from school nurses and counselors.

Comprehensive approach to childhood obesity

Young girl about to get on the school bus.
In-person learning helps all students learn about obesity prevention.

A comprehensive approach can address childhood obesity in schools, especially for elementary and middle school students. Scientists know less about what school-based obesity prevention approaches are effective for teenagers.

A comprehensive approach means routinely directing attention to nutrition and physical activity in schools. It can involve school nurses, parents, caregivers, and other community members, such as pediatricians and after-school program providers.

  • A comprehensive approach supports the health and well-being of all students.
  • It does not single out students according to their weight status or body size.
  • Overweight and obesity are sensitive issues for students, and families and must be addressed with compassion, understanding, and care.

School-based programs to promote physical activity and improve diet quality have not contributed to increases in depression, anxiety, or body-dissatisfaction. However, it should be noted that many studies do not collect information about these unintended effects.

REMINDER: Schools should not emphasize physical appearances or reinforce negative stereotypes about obesity.

Recommendations

How school nurses can help

School nurses play a key role to prevent and reduce student overweight and obesity. School nurses can address the complex physical, social, and health education needs of children and adolescents who have overweight or obesity. School nurses have the knowledge and skills to:

  • Create a culture of health and wellness in school.
  • Promote and implement school-based policies and strategies for healthy eating and physical activity.
  • Coordinate care with families and health care professionals.
  • Lead the school community to influence policy changes that reinforce healthy eating, physical education, and physical activity—before, during, and after school.
Keep Reading: Childhood Obesity Facts

Resources

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Content Source:
Division of Adolescent and School Health; National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
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