Obesity in Preschool By Paul Raven

The Problem Studies done by Cynthia L. Ogden, PhD; Margaret D. Carroll, MSPH; Lester R. Curtin, PhD; Margaret A. McDowell, MPH, RD; Carolyn J. Tabak, MD, MPH; Katherine M. Flegal, PhD Between 1999 and 2004 (6 Year Period) obesity was on the rise in preschool children. Males preschool students obesity rose from 14% to 18.2% Female students rose from 13.8 to 16% In the 6 year period there was a significant increase in obesity rate among preschool children.

How could pre schools prevent obesity among their students? The problem of obesity in preschool should be treated in a number of different ways. Not one method would fully beat obesity, instead a proper diet and a sufficient amount of exercise along with proper sleep will fight the problem at every angle.

Interdisciplinary Approach Using an interdisciplinary approach to beat obesity in preschools will be much more affective then any single approach. An interdisciplinary solution involving the education system and hospitality is the most affective solution to fighting preschool obesity.

Conflicts Between Disciplines The hospitality industry fights obesity with providing the foods for a proper diet. For example, the American Journal of clinical nutrition focuses on portion sizes to fight obesity. The Education system fights obesity with an entire lifestyle change. According to studies down by Glasgow University, including exercise and nap times in preschools could slow down the trajectory of preschool obesity.

Common Ground within Disciplines The common ground is that each discipline recognizes that their part in fighting obesity is only a part of the solution. By using extension, An interdisciplinary solution can be found. The individual solutions of each discipline are joined together to fight obesity by eating right, exercising daily and staying energized by having a proper sleeping regiment.

Observational Research While doing my observational research at the Creative School for Children, I noticed that they took a strong interest in the student’s health. They took an interdisciplinary approach by providing foods for a healthy diet, including afternoon naps, and providing a sufficient amount of exercise time for all of the students.

Recess Period The Creative School’s day which begins at 8:30am has two 30 minute recess periods with 3 hours between them to allow students to freely run around outside giving them a full hour of physical activity each day. Students are encouraged to play sports, games, and enjoy breaking a sweat while getting away from classroom activities. According to teachers, keeping students busy during classroom hours motivates the children to really let loose and run around during recess periods

Meal Period As part of the solution to fight preschool obesity, the Creative School has strict meal periods consisting of breakfast and lunch that immediately follow each recess period. Morning meals consist of well portioned meals such as a biscuit and jelly, a bowl of fruit, or a small bowl of plain oatmeal with a side of honey. Afternoon meals usually consist of grill chicken tenders and white rice, a slice of pizza, or turkey and vegetables. Beverages consist of milk or water. According to faculty members, the main goal of the meal plans are to provide students with regulated healthy portions of a well balanced diet.

Nap Period Each day students have an hour long nap period at mid day. Teachers have found that providing students with a mid day nap will give them the energy to stay active and energized for the remaining portion of the day which in turn will increase the effectiveness of recess periods and any after school activity students may indulge in.

Interdisciplinary Outcome According to Teachers at the Creative School, the methods used within the preschool has done a great job in preventing obesity problems within the school. According to Interviewed parents, they feel as if the Creative school has provided a healthy lifestyle for their children during school hours. They are satisfied with the physical activity, rest periods and quality of meals their children have received and they believe their children are healthy because of this treatment.