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Obesity Prevention and Control: School-Based Programs

These interventions are conducted in the classroom and may seek to increase physical activity and/or improve nutrition, both in school and at home. Classroom and physical education teachers may receive special training to carry out the programs.

Summary of Task Force Recommendations & Findings

The Community Preventive Services Task Force finds insufficient evidence to determine the effectiveness of school-based programs to prevent or reduce overweight and obesity among children and adolescents because interventions varied and reported outcomes that were not comparable.

Results from the Systematic Reviews

While nine studies among children and one among adolescents qualified for the review, they did not identify comparable outcomes.

  • The studies showed some positive effects on outcomes related to weight status, but changes were small and the measures used were varied.

image of planet Find a Research-tested Intervention Program (RTIP) External Web Site Icon about the use of school-based programs to promote nutrition and physical activity (What is an RTIP?).

These results were based on a systematic review of all available studies, conducted on behalf of the Task Force by a team of specialists in systematic review methods, and in research, practice and policy related to obesity prevention and control.

Economic Review

An economic review of this intervention was not conducted because the Task Force found insufficient evidence to determine its effectiveness.

Publications

CDC. Public health strategies for preventing and controlling overweight and obesity in school and worksite settings. A report on recommendations of the Task Force on Community Preventive Services. MMWR 2005;54(RR-10):1-12. External Web Site Icon

More Community Guide publications about Obesity Prevention and Control



Disclaimer

The findings and conclusions on this page are those of the Community Preventive Services Task Force and do not necessarily represent those of CDC.

Sample Citation

The content of publications of the Guide to Community Preventive Services is in the public domain. Citation as to source, however, is appreciated. Sample citation: Guide to Community Preventive Services. Obesity prevention and control: school-based programs. www.thecommunityguide.org/obesity/schoolbased.html. Last updated: MM/DD/YYYY.

Review completed: October 2003

This page includes all of the information available and will not be updated.