Food, nutrition, and physical activity initiatives in schools in the Americas

Overview

The rise in overweight and obesity worldwide and particularly in the Americas is having physical and psychological health impacts during childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Childhood obesity can also contribute to behavioral and emotional problems, lead to stigmatization and poor socialization, and lower children’s educational attainment. 

To halt the rise of the obesity epidemic, the countries of the Region of the Americas approved a five-year Plan of Action for the Prevention of Obesity in Children and Adolescents. One of the five strategic lines of action of the plan is to improve school nutrition and physical activity environments. School policies and programs represent a key opportunity to advance sustainable development, address all forms of malnutrition, promote comprehensive health in schools and in the community, and realize the basic and fundamental rights of school-age children. 

This report presents a regional compilation of food, nutrition, and physical activity initiatives in schools as creators of sustainable environments for children and adolescents, who are the future generation. This publication is primarily intended for a technical audience working in ministries and organizations related to health, education, food, nutrition, and physical activity. The hope is also that it will generate interest among researchers, technical advisors, and school staff to work hand in hand with nongovernmental and international organizations toward the development and implementation of public policies that benefit children and adolescents