Combating Childhood Obesity in Elementary Schools

The number of children suffering from obesity is a growing concern across the United States. Children who are obese have been faced with medical conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, asthma, heart disease, and hypertension. Studies have shown that children who do not have adequate information about health and physical activity tend to lead sedentary lifestyles as they reach adulthood. This research will study the effects of increased exposure to various exercise techniques and health education in school on children ages six to twelve to see if it will play a role in their lifestyle choices and behaviors in their later years. Researchers have found that elementary schools can have a positive influence on a child’s physical activity level. They have also found that by structuring the physical activity time available at school, recess, children are more willing to participate. Their overall goal was to expose children to various new activities through health promotion. This could better the chances of the children’s finding an exercise they are interested in, thus increasing their chances for physical activity in the future. This literature review will analyze the effect that teachers, intervention programs, and health education play on encouraging the progressively sedentary youth to get active