Relationships between Local Wellness Policies and Changes in Rates of Overweight and Obesity in Pennsylvania School Districts

Abstract

Since 2006, local wellness policies (LWPs) addressing childhood obesity have been required for all school districts participating in school meal programs. This study investigates associations between LWPs and obesity trends in K‐6 students in Pennsylvania School Districts (PSDs). In Pennsylvania, school personnel are required to collect and report student Body Mass Index (BMI) data to the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Data for students in grades K‐6 were collected for both 06–07 and 07–08 school years. Comprehensiveness (count of all policy) and rigor (goal strength) of LWPs were developed as part of a larger study. Analysis of Variance was used to explore relationships between LWPs and changes in overweight and obesity rates. Approximately 1/3 of K‐6 students were overweight or obese in both years. The change in % of overweight and obese K‐6 students was ‐ 0.98% [Range: − 55.88 to 30.65%]. PSDs in which % of overweight and obesity decreased after one school year had more comprehensive policies, more nutrition education and physical activity goals, and stronger physical activity goals compared to PSDs in which % overweight and obesity increased (P = 0.005 – 0.038). Findings suggest school LWPs may help decrease childhood obesity through increasing nutrition education and physical activity opportunities. This project was funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Healthy Eating Research Program.Grant Funding Source: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Healthy Eating Research Program