In 2001, the percentage of fourth grade students who were overweight (26%) in Wells County, Indiana was twice the national average (13%). A Robert Wood Johnson Local Initiative Funding Partners grant was submitted and received to provide this community with resources to help combat unhealthy lifestyles. The purpose of this study was to examine differences in body mass index, food choices and nutrition knowledge and attitudes of fourth grade students in Wells County to determine if the prevalence of overweight had been reduced, and provide insight into children's food choices and nutrition knowledge. Of the 1,347 fourth grade students who completed the SPAN questionnaire over the four years, 23 percent were overweight. Over the four years, the prevalence of overweight did not increase to higher levels, providing modest support for the impact of Operation Wellness on students' weight. The students in this rural community ate fewer meals, snacked more frequently, did not eat enough fruits or vegetables, and ate too many high-fat/high-sugar foods compared to recommended standards. Students from the Southern Wells School District were significantly more aware of the relationship between diet, weight, and health than students in the other two school districts. / Department of Family and Consumer Sciences
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:BSU/oai:cardinalscholar.bsu.edu:handle/188299 |
| Date | January 2007 |
| Creators | Hormuth, Laura J. |
| Contributors | Friesen, Carol A. |
| Source Sets | Ball State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Format | xiii, 169 leaves : ill. ; 28 cm. |
| Source | Virtual Press |
| Coverage | n-us-in |
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