Program
Special Education M.A.
Year Approved
2020
First Advisor
Strand, Charles
Abstract
Childhood obesity is a growing trend that shows no signs of slowing. Society has turned to the schools to provide programming to help alleviate this growing problem without considering the constraints schools face when implementing interventions. Many programs have been implemented to decrease the body mass index in students, but the data suggests that most have been unsuccessful. Many different factors play a role in creating healthy lifestyle habits in children including counseling and psychology programs, the overall school-health environment, health instruction, physical education, food service, health promotion programs for staff, health services, and integrated programs within the community (Khan et al., 2009). Schools have the opportunity to implement nutritional programs that offer healthier food options for breakfast and lunch, but are often limited by budget. Schools may look towards competitive food sales for additional income while failing to consider the health implications of serving sugar-sweetened beverages and other unhealthy food choices. This thesis explores the different intervention methods used in schools related to decreasing the Body Mass Index (BMI) in students with the attempt to prevent childhood obesity.
Degree Name
Special Education M.A.
Document Type
Masterʼs thesis
Recommended Citation
Stark, E. A. (2020). Research-Based Methods that Decrease and Prevent Childhood Obesity in the School Environment [Masterʼs thesis, Bethel University]. Spark Repository. https://spark.bethel.edu/etd/601
Terms of Use and License Information
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