Childhood obesity is a major public health crisis nationally and internationally. This insightful compendium provides valuable information and assesses the research foundations behind several school initiatives to help combat the epidemic of obesity in children and adolescents, particularly using interventions to increase physical activity. The book looks at the issue from three levels: first, the effects of unhealthy eating and lack of exercise on a number of health outcomes in children and adolescents; second, successful small- and large-scale school-based interventions; and finally, synthesis of current literature and translation into specific guidelines and recommendations.

Specific topics addressed in the book include:

• The appeal and benefits of outdoor versus indoor activity

• Cultural differences in physical activity

• Successful interventions and their continued success, or lack of, after several years

• The roles of family and community interventions

• Staff involvement in children’s physical activities

• Specific programs, such as Plant Health, an antismoking intervention with unintended obesity intervention

• Establishing healthy habits in youth

This research provides schools with a strong foundation for implementing policies and practices that support healthy eating and regular physical activity. In the process, educators will be ensuring the best possible chance for increasing students’ academic success, improving both physical and mental health, and decreasing the risk for myriad chronic diseases.