Nutrition education in school-based childhood and adolescent obesity prevention programs

The purpose of this chapter was to review nutrition education in school-based childhood and adolescent obesity prevention programs. Problems of overweight and obesity have reached epidemic proportions in children and adolescents. With the large number of children and adolescents affected by overweight and obesity, it has been recognized as a critical public health threat, and prevention should become a priority. Schools have been considered an important venue for the delivery of health education programs since a majority of the nation's youth can be reached. Implementing a program in the school does not necessarily correspond to success, and therefore common components among successful nutrition education programs were examined. Providing age-appropriate, culturally sensitive instruction and materials were connected to the success of the programs. Success was also found when the nutrition education program was relevant to the student, and information was applicable to their everyday life. It was also critical to go beyond dissemination of knowledge and develop attitudes, skills, and behaviors to adopt, maintain, and enjoy healthy nutrition habits. Finally, recommendations were made to enhance the effectiveness of future school-based nutrition education programs.