Childhood Obesity and Participation in a Health and Fitness Program

Abstract

Comparison of 4th, 5th and 6th grade student health status: Before and after participation in an afterschool Health and Fitness Project Tracy Cordonnier, BSN, RN, OCN, LSN, Lindora Hubel, BS, RN, Kimberly McIntyre, BSN, RN, EMT-P, & Elizabeth Obringer, BSN, RNC Obesity is quickly becoming a growing epidemic in the United States in both adult and pediatric populations. Studies have established a relationship between childhood obesity and adult obesity and the risk factors related to obesity (Eisenmann, et al., 2004). The incidence of significant health issues such as type II diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol are on the rise at an alarming rate within this group. Lack of participation in physical activities among American children aged 9 to 13 years old is well documented by the Center for Disease Control. Offering students the ability to participate in an afterschool program in which a variety of fun physical activities are provided at the school, free of charge, will allow students the opportunity to obtain the physical activity that is so important to health status. However, research provided information regarding effective programs on prevention of childhood obesity is limited. The purpose of this quasi-experimental study is to examine the effects of a wellness promoting exercise program among 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students of schools in rural western Ohio. One hundred and two students will be recruited for this study. Through the use of some of the Presidential Fitness Challenge exercises and active video games from WII and XBOX, the health status of the study participants is expected to be enhanced through the Health and Fitness Project in this study. In this study, participant's health status will be assessed before and after participation in the project by measuring body image, weight, and BMI. The results of this study will advance the nursing profession by adding to our knowledge of the effectiveness of the school and community based exercise program and information for the prevention of childhood obesity.