A recent study in Chicago compares the dietary habits and increased weight in the middle school students reports that due to regular intake of high calorie diet and employment of food as motivation resulted in an increase in the weight of the students. Other factors such as selling food and organizing fund raising programs with food as a sole aim all point out to the increased body weight. About two thirds of adults and on third of children population are burdened with this curse of Obesity.
The researchers scrutinized 16 middle schools randomly chose of which the eighth grade students were considered. Based on the information the relationship between Body mass index and food intake was analyzed. Schools were asked about a variety questions like food policies, health programs and food guidelines. The results led to the development of a food unit for each of the schools. If the units were higher it is suggestive of higher food calorie intake.The study also revealed that there is a ten percent increase for every increase in the food unit. Out of the total student analyzed 8% were (overweight), 15% on the verge of becoming overweight. According to the survey the use of food as motivation was predominant (69%) followed by fund raising programs at (56%), classroom eating drinking habits were also common in 31%, 38% schools respectively. Apart from the restricted hours for breakfast and lunch students eating habits continued throughout the day.
There is a need to change this erroneous practice because it is during this time obesity slowly encroaches into one’s life and persist throughout his adult life. Hence various policies regarding the diet specified to these students should be cautiously prepared without compromising on the nutrition value.
