Healthy Food Environments in Schools Prevent Weight Gain

Healthy food environments in schools help prevent increased BMI rates (a measure of weight adjusted for height), according to research published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Twelve middle schools implemented policies that provided support for nutrition or physical activity. Students at schools with nutrition support reported healthier BMIs overall with less increase over time and consumed fewer unhealthful foods and fast food when compared to those schools with physical education only. These results support school-based nutrition interventions as effective for weight management among students.