| While there is an abundance of literature on the rising incidence of adolescent obesity and the health problems associated with the condition, there is less well-documented research on the existence and effectiveness of school intervention programs that address the adolescent obesity problem. The purpose of this research was to study and report on the effectiveness of one such program. In the 2002/2003 school year, Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) developed an adolescent obesity risk factor assessment and intervention program for seventh graders. This study followed up with 55 students who were in the OCPS program. Data was collected in the form of students' Body Mass Index (BMI) levels, interviews with students, parents, and school personnel involved in the program, and teacher, parent, and student questionnaires. The results of the study showed significant impact on students in terms of reduced BMI levels, increased physical activity, improved eating habits, and decreased amounts of sedentary activities. The study also found that the OCPS program improved student and parental awareness of the health implications of adolescent obesity and ways to combat it.; Another aspect of the study was to look at attitudes and beliefs among teachers, parents, and other school personnel concerning the appropriate role of schools in combating the adolescent obesity problem. The study found that a majority of all respondents believed that schools should play a primary role in dealing with adolescent obesity, and an overwhelming majority wanted mandatory physical education increased in the schools.; Based on the findings, the study suggested possible improvements to the OCPS program, and recommended that the OCPS program could be used as a model for a low-cost but effective adolescent obesity intervention program for other public school systems. |
