abits leads to building self-esteem. Learning activities that help children understand food groups and nutritional value allow for the learning of healthy information in a creative way (Kid Source Online, 2003b). In addition to a healthy diet, children require regular exercise. In a recent U.S. Surgeon General's Report on Physical Activity and Health, findings were that half of all children ages 12 to 21 years, were not physically active regularity and enrollment in physical education classes has dropped 41% in high school students in the last five years (Kid Source Online, 2003a).
Rationale. Research is needed on treatment of childhood obesity. Current studies lack good quality evidence on intervention effectiveness with small trials, high dropout rates, poor reporting, and mixed results (Mayor, 2002). Since children spend a large amount of their day at school and behavior choices related to obesity develop during school-age years, schools offer an opportunity to teach children improved eating, activity, and snacking habits (Carter, 2002).
Importance of the Study. Since obesity in children is becoming a growing concern, it is important to determine whether teaching children better habits in a school environment would improve eating and activity behaviors, as well as self-esteem.
Statement of the Problem. The problem is that childhood obesity is increasing and threatens to become a serious health problem for large numbers of children (Dietz, Bland, Gortmaker, Molloy, & Schmid, 2002).
Hypothesis 1: Subjects will demonstrate improved eating behaviors due to the teaching intervention.
Hypothesis 2: Subjects will demonstrate improved activity due to the teaching intervention.
Hypothesis 3: Subjects will demonstrate improved snacking behaviors due to the teaching intervention.
Hypothesis 4: Subjects will demonstrate improved self-esteem due to the teaching intervention.
Hypothesis 1: Subjects will dem...