Containing Child Obesity through the School Curriculum

Globally, child obesity is rising, leading to a range of diseases and conditions in later life, including Type 2 diabetes, coronary issues, various cancers and premature death. The cost of the associated health care is therefore also increasing. But with the adoption of key lifestyle changes, including better nutritional regimes and more active lifestyles, obesity can be contained. The most effective approach must be though the school curriculum. In many countries attendance is compulsory and the state can readily control the curriculum content, redesigned to actively promote not just academic attainments but also healthy children. Each child should, for example, enjoy at least one hour of supervised fitness-based or skill-based physical education every day. Walk-to-school initiatives should be promoted, and the quality of all food and drink provided in schools must meet agreed health standards. The children's BMI will be recorded annually, and the results tabulated against diet and nutrition diaries as well as academic attainment. Crucially, each school should appoint a Head-of-Health coordinating these measures, ensuring all pupils attain or retain a healthy BMI.