Schools become more proactive in helping obese youth

The American Diabetes Association, along with the National Institutes of Health, studied the efforts of the schools to “intervene” in the obesity and possible development of diabetes in 4,600 students in 42 schools. Most of the students involved in the intervention were considered obese (meaning having a body mass index in the 85th percentile or higher).

The intervention was conducted by adding more fruits and vegetables to the lunch menu, as well as lowering the fat content in other foods. The schools also implemented a curriculum of longer and more intense physical education classes with the hopes of changing the behaviors of the students.

The results of the intervention program were presented at the 70th Scientific Sessions diabetes meeting in Orlando, Florida. The students whose body mass index (BMI) was in the 85th percentile, did show some signs of having lower body mass. Additionally the increase in physical activity during school encouraged changes in the behavior of many of the 6th and 7th graders who were found to be obese. It’s estimated they are 21% less likely to be obese by the time they complete middle school. The students also showed lower levels of fasting insulin as well as lower waist sizes.

Though most doctors, dieticians, and scientists agree that the program did not rid young people of obesity all together, they also agree that a greater effort must be made by all institutions of educations to change the behavior of all young people in order to avoid developing diabetes.