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

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