Children who eat school-purchased lunches more likely to be overweight, obese

[The Straight Story]

Children who eat school-purchased lunches more likely to be overweight, obese
Children who bought more school lunches were also less likely to eat fruits and vegetables.


ATLANTA – University of Michigan researchers examining almost 1,300 sixth graders who either brought lunch from home or bought lunch at school found that the latter group had higher LDL and consumed twice as many fatty meats and sugary drinks, according to a press release.

The data were collected through behavior questionnaires completed by 1,297 schoolchildren over a three-year period. Children were asked to report what they consumed during their entire day and about their level of physical activity. Researchers also collected data on each child’s weight, height and cholesterol levels.

The results, released yesterday here at the American College of Cardiology 59th Annual Scientific Sessions in Atlanta, suggested that children who purchased lunches were more likely to be obese vs. their counterparts who brought lunch from home (38.8% vs. 24.4%). In addition, children who purchased lunches were more likely to eat fatty meats (25.8% vs. 11.4%); drink sugary beverages (36% vs. 14.5%); and consume fewer vegetables or fruits (16.3% vs. 91.2%) than the children who brought lunch from home.

“This study confirms the current and escalating national concern with children’s health, and underscores the need to educate children about how to make healthy eating and lifestyle choices early on,” Elizabeth Jackson, MD, assistant professor of medicine at the University of Michigan, said in a press release. “Although this study doesn’t provide specific information on nutrient content of school lunches, it suggests there is a real opportunity to promote healthy behaviors and eating habits within the school environment.”

Jackson and colleagues believe more research should be conducted to see if a parallel can be drawn between healthier food options in school lunch programs and overall healthier eating habits for children, according to the press release.

The University of Michigan, the Atkins Foundation, the Thompson Foundation, and the Hewlett Foundation funded the study.

http://www.endocrinetoday.com/view.aspx?rid=61922

[FarCenter]

1. IIRC the lunch ladies were no lightweights

[happy_liberal]

2. Remember all the heated arguments about giving kids cheese sandwiches

because they hadn't paid their lunch dues? Turns out the cheese sandwich is healthier.

Anyone who thinks their kids are getting a healthy balanced lunch at school are in denail or have never been to a lunch room. The 'healthy' canned vegetables and fruit are thrown directly in the trash, and the kids only eat the fried pizza sticks, sweetened fruit juice and chocolate milk. Fat and sugar.

Back in my day(which wasn't all that long ago) almost everyone brought their lunch. No one would be caught dead eating in the damn cafeteria when you could sit outside in the sun, with food you actually liked and was healthy because you brought it from home. Now everyone acts as if it is a big imposition to have to make their kid a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Even if you are dirt poor, peanut butter and jelly is pretty cheap and easy. Since I was I dunno, 6, I even started making them myself.

Parents really need to start teaching their kids better habits. WE are quickly headed toward idiocracy and it is certainly not the children's faults.