BACKGROUND: Recent research has shown significant increases in the rates of obesity in US adults and children. Despite the widespread discussion about childhood overweight, relatively little discussion focuses on solutions. METHODS: We reviewed the literature on school programs and policies that address competitive foods-commonly called "junk" foods. These foods tend to be high in sugar or fat and provide minimal nutritive value. RESULTS: Sugar-sweetened beverages such as sodas contribute to weight gain and poor nutrition among students-the average student consumes 31 pounds of sugar in these drinks annually. The sale of competitive foods in schools often competes with the more nutritious school lunch programs. With minimal federal and state policies addressing the sale of competitive foods, individual school districts in Wisconsin and elsewhere have explored various alternatives to improve school nutrition. The evidence suggests that these policies can be effective and at the same time increase food sale revenue. CONCLUSION: Communities may be able to improve childhood nutrition through school-based nutrition programs and policies that address the sale of competitive foods.
BACKGROUND: Recent research has shown significant increases in the rates of obesity in US adults and children. Despite the widespread discussion about childhood overweight, relatively little discussion focuses on solutions. METHODS: We reviewed the literature on school programs and policies that address competitive foods-commonly called "junk" foods. These foods tend to be high in sugar or fat and provide minimal nutritive value. RESULTS:Sugar-sweetened beverages such as sodas contribute to weight gain and poor nutrition among students-the average student consumes 31 pounds of sugar in these drinks annually. The sale of competitive foods in schools often competes with the more nutritious school lunch programs. With minimal federal and state policies addressing the sale of competitive foods, individual school districts in Wisconsin and elsewhere have explored various alternatives to improve school nutrition. The evidence suggests that these policies can be effective and at the same time increase food sale revenue. CONCLUSION: Communities may be able to improve childhood nutrition through school-based nutrition programs and policies that address the sale of competitive foods.
Authors: Tommy L S Visscher; Wendy C W van Hal; Lobke Blokdijk; Jaap C Seidell; Carry M Renders; Wanda J E Bemelmans Journal: Obes Facts Date: 2010-04-16 Impact factor: 3.942
Authors: Erin Hennessy; April Oh; Tanya Agurs-Collins; Jamie F Chriqui; Louise C Mâsse; Richard P Moser; Frank Perna Journal: J Sch Health Date: 2014-09 Impact factor: 2.118
Authors: Andrew Rundle; Catherine Richards; Michael D M Bader; Ofira Schwartz-Soicher; Karen K Lee; James Quinn; Gina S Lovasi; Christopher Weiss; Kathryn Neckerman Journal: Am J Epidemiol Date: 2012-11-06 Impact factor: 4.897
Authors: Monica L Wang; Stephenie C Lemon; Kristian Clausen; Julie Whyte; Milagros C Rosal Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2016-11-09 Impact factor: 3.295
Authors: Jørgen Dejgård Jensen; Elling Bere; Ilse De Bourdeaudhuij; Natasa Jan; Lea Maes; Yannis Manios; Marloes K Martens; Denes Molnar; Luis A Moreno; Amika S Singh; Saskia te Velde; Johannes Brug Journal: Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act Date: 2012-11-21 Impact factor: 6.457