Abstract
- This research study will assess the relationship of a school-based child obesity intervention program on behaviors associated with a healthy weight and a reduction in Body Mass Index (BMI) among second grade students. Currently, North Carolina has the eleventh highest rate of child obesity in the country. Based on the 2010-2011 Nutrition and Physical Surveillance System (NC-Npass) data, 12.9% of children in New Hanover County are obese and 14.8% are overweight (2009 data revealed that the rate of overweight and obese children between 2-18 years old was 33%). A school-based intervention program would offer children attending Title I schools the opportunity to participate in what is typically a fee-based community/private intervention. Providing this program as a school-based intervention would enable students who would not normally have the opportunity to participate in this type of program to gain the information and practical skills and experiences directly related to improving the course of their health and wellbeing. The financial request for this project is $3000.00 to fund educational/program supplies for the students and office supplies. An opportunity for student volunteers will be provided for students to gain experience in performing health assessments. This research will be conducted in collaboration with J’Nelle Ruscetti, MS, PA-C with Wilmington Health in Family Medicine. The study will also work in collaboration with New Hanover County Public Schools, specifically Sunset Park Elementary School and Carolina Beach Elementary School. As well, this study will lead to the development of a Fuel Up and Play 60 national grant application. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of a school-based obesity intervention program