Childhood obesity is an ongoing epidemic that remains a persistent and escalating crisis in the United States. A new study published in the journal Nutrients has revealed that teachers can play a critical role as potent allies in addressing this pressing concern.
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that nearly 14.7 million children and adolescents aged 2 to 19 were affected by obesity from 2017-2020, with a prevalence rate of 19.7%. To tackle this issue, health agencies at the local, state and federal levels have been directing their efforts toward schools as the central hub for potential solutions.
The inclusion of teachers in identifying and incorporating solutions into program delivery can be a significant asset in combating childhood obesity. However, the demanding nature of classrooms and schools for professionals poses a significant hurdle to this endeavor. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic also further highlighted the urgent need to address the health and well-being of teachers.
The well-being of teachers can directly affect and benefit students. An extensive report by the RAND Corporation in 2022 suggested that a solid student-teacher relationship helps increase engagement and attendance, improve student well-being, decrease behavior concerns and lead to positive outcomes.
Here’s What the Research Showed
The study conducted by researchers at the American University, Washington, evaluated the role of teachers in addressing childhood obesity. This five-year intervention project began in 2017 with the aim of engaging educators in imparting nutrition literacy skills to prevent obesity among elementary school students in Washington, D.C.
Teachers from two comparison and two intervention schools provided demographic data and completed the Teacher Health Surveys before and after the intervention. The primary objective of this study was to assess the effects of a professional development program in providing teachers with the knowledge…
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