Obesity Education for Middle Schools

Obesity in middle school children occurs as a result of genetic, behavioral and environmental factors. Children who are obese face long-term health risks such as cardiovascular disease, bone and joint issues and social and psychological problems such as low self-esteem and stigmatization. Obesity in middle school students has increased in recent years. Schools can play an important role in combating childhood obesity and promoting healthier lifestyles for students.

Causes of Obesity

• Obesity is a growing problem for middle school students. Often middle school children lack the physical activity they require each day for a variety of reasons. In addition to lower activity levels, schools have vending machines selling candy bars and soft drinks to students, and lunch often consists of foods high in fat and low in nutritional value.

  Middle school students spend increasing amounts of time playing video games or watching television, which contribute to unhealthy snacking. They're more likely to grab a bag of chips when sitting down to a movie than a plate of fruit or vegetables. Children at this age either don't get enough sleep or have irregular sleep habits. Sleep deprivation increases development of the hormone ghrelin, which triggers the hunger mechanism in the brain. It also decreases the production of leptin, which tells the body that a person isn't hungry. These two hormones work together to balance hunger and cravings, and when they're out of whack, the body is unable to ward off hunger, and snacking results.

Implementing Healthy Eating Policies

• Providing nutritious food for snacks and lunch programs promotes healthy eating habits in middle school students. Schools selling soft drinks and sugary snacks should instead fill vending machines with water, juice and snacks low in sugar. Lunch programs should be structured to provide middle school students with a healthy lunch that is properly portioned. Lunches should include healthy and appealing food options. Encourage school staff to model healthy eating habits while at school as well.

Daily Physical Activity

• Middle school students spend a large portion of their week at school and in class. Children this age require at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day and should get half of that at school. Schools that implement a daily physical education program that includes physical activity in the classroom as well as in physical education classes provide students opportunities to engage in daily physical activity.

  Not all students are athletic, but teachers can combine classroom learning with physical activity to provide physical activity for all students. A nature walk, for example, can be a way to teach middle school students about life sciences and the environment while providing an opportunity to be active. Allow ample recess time for students to get outside and be active throughout the school day in addition to in class. Providing these opportunities teaches middle school students to incorporate physical activity into their daily routines.

Educate

• Perhaps the most important strategy or policy that schools can adopt to help battle childhood obesity is a plan for educating students, teachers and parents. Schools should have a designated coordinator who develops and maintains a healthy policy for food and nutrition and physical education and ensures that all grade levels are educated about healthy diet and healthy lifestyles. Middle school students should be aware of what they are putting in their bodies and how it can affect them later in life so that they can make educated choices.