Date of Submission

Spring 5-13-2019

Document Type

Manuscript

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Dr. Jo Loomis

Second Advisor

Dr. Jodie Sandhu

Abstract

Childhood obesity is an epidemic that affects the nation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (2015) states that over the past thirty years, the prevalence of childhood obesity has more than doubled in younger children and quadrupled in adolescents (CDC, 2015). Although obesity is a multifactorial health issue that is affected by genetics, metabolic factors, socioeconomic factors, and lifestyle choices (Stanford, 2018), a majority of pediatric obesity is as a result of consuming more energy than the body utilizes. There are both immediate and long-term consequences of obesity that negatively affect a child’s health which may carry over into the adult life. Consumption of a healthy diet and adequate physical movement can help children maintain a healthy weight (CDC, 2016). This paper will review the lasting effects of obesity, explore the National School Lunch Program and its influence on pediatric health, reinforce the need for physical activity during the school day, and examine how communities can effect change.

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