Putting Physical Activity Back in Childrenʼs Daily Life to Prevent Obesity

Abstract

1029 We are facing a public health crisis that is related to and would respond to environmental change at the community level. Obesity, now the most common nutritional disorder in the US, is increasing at an alarming rate in children. Physical activity levels are insufficient and eating habits and food intakes are inconsistent with recommendations for optimal health. PURPOSE: The Shape Up Somerville: Eat Smart. Play Hard. (SUS) project is a three-year community based participatory research project using an environmental approach to curb obesity in 1–3 grade children in Somerville, Massachusetts, an urban, industrial, multi-ethnic city with a population of 78,000. Over 50% of children attending public schools represent ethnic-racial minorities. Currently, obesity rates in Somerville children are higher than national averagesFinearly one-half (46%) of 1–3 graders are at risk for overweight or are overweight (> 85th percentile for BMIfor- age). Hispanic students have the highest rate (59%), followed by multi-racial (54%), white (44%) and black (36%). Even within this narrow age range, BMI-forage is significantly higher in third graders compared with first graders (p < 0.05). Due to academic achievement pressure and budgetary constraints, students only attend physical education classes once per week and recess has been reduced to 15 minutes per day. In addition, less than 50% of children walk to school and there is no busing system due to neighborhood schools being within walking distance of a child's home. METHODS: SUS has partnered with schools, community organizations, and city departments to design multiple physical activity options that can lead to an expenditure of up to 125 additional kcals per day to bring the energy equation into balance. RESULTS: SUS interventions include a walk to school initiative; provision of physical activity equipment and games for before school and recess time; new classroom and after school health curriculums with daily physical activity sessions; and educational strategies to increase family activity time. CONCLUSION: This community collaboration is increasing daily physical activity among high-risk children. Further, its model of implementation encourages lifelong physical activity and assures sustainability. Supported by a CDC grant R06 CCR121519.