Association Between School Food Environment and Practices and Body Mass Index of U.S. Public School Children

Published: February 2009

ID #: 57930

Journal: J Am Diet Assoc

Authors: Fox MK, Dodd AH, Wilson A, Gleason PM

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Using data from the third School Nutrition Dietary Assessment Study, this study estimates the association between school food environments and practices and children’s likelihood for obesity. (Obesity was defined as having a body mass index greater than the 95th percentile for their age.) The national study involved more than 2,200 children in 287 schools. The findings suggest that offering low-nutrient, energy-dense foods (french fries, desserts) more than once a week (in elementary schools) or in vending machines (in middle schools) is associated with a higher likelihood of obesity.

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Age Groups: Adolescents (grades 9 to 12), Elementary-age children (grades K to 5), Young adolescents (grades 6 to 8)

Keywords: Body mass index (BMI), Competitive foods, Food service, Fruits and vegetables, School meal programs, School wellness policies, Snacks, Sugar-sweetened beverages, Vending machines

Resource Type: Journal Article

Race/Ethnicity: Multi-racial/ethnic

State: National

Focus Area: School & After School

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