M. Alysia Mastrangelo, Richard Stockton College, USA
Abstract: Childhood obesity has become a national issue with international concern. Obesity has increased dramatically in economically developed countries and urban areas within the United States. It has become an epidemic. Obesity has become prevalent between different racial/ethnic groups. There are many health risks associated with childhood obesity. Obese children have an increased risk of suffering from obesity in adulthood. Urban areas show an increased prevalence in obese children because they do not have access to fresh and affordable food. The CDC recommends children have 60 min/day of activity. A structured recess program was designed to infuse vigorous to moderate physical activity (VMPA) into recess by providing a fun and age-appropriate VMPA program. The program 30 min/day provided 150 min/wk of VMPA. The program increased the percent of students achieving 150 min/wk of VMPA from 11% to 93-99%. Structured recess has dramatically increased the level of PA of the students involved.
Keywords: childhood obesity, overweight, kids, physical activity
