The status of school-based nutrition education and physical education at the state level

Today in the United States, more than ever before, children are developing habits that lead to unhealthy lifestyles. Poor nutrition and poor eating habits, coupled with increasing lack of physical activity, put children at high risk for numerous problems. Combating these issues during formative years increases the likelihood that the lifestyle changes will remain with the individuals through adulthood. Using school-based nutrition education and physical activity programs, states can help in the effort to decrease the growing number of health and economic problems stemming from obesity as children age and become adults. This study examines the current policies in each state regarding nutrition education and physical education, and determines how these differ from policies that existed in 1992. In addition, discussion of national initiatives and directives enacted in response to the obesity epidemic will shed light on the efforts being made to reverse the problem of childhood overweight.