Tioga County Fit for Life: A Primary Obesity Prevention Project

Abstract

Pediatric obesity, which has reached epidemic proportions in the United States in the past 10 years, translates directly into rising rates of adult obesity. This study assessed the impact of a school, family, community, and industry-based primary intervention project on the rates of overweight and obesity in a rural countywide cohort of children in grades kindergarten through 8. It included classroom education, student/ family wellness booklets, point source healthy menus, occupational health analyses, and community health fairs. A 5-year longitudinal analysis of grade-specific rates of overweight and obesity of the participating children showed that overweight and obesity rates increased for all cohorts. Key elements contribute to increasing rates of pediatric obesity. Inadequate penetration of education/information dissemination and lag time represent 2 explanations for the lack of obesity reduction during the program implementation period. Strategies for successful engagement of multiple groups are essential to effectively reverse the pediatric obesity epidemic.