Anti-obesity programmes aren’t working in UK schools
A year-long anti-obesity programme in UK schools had no noticeable effect on children’s health. The programme increased physical activity in schools, instituted a healthy eating programme with local sporting heroes and held workshops on healthy cooking for families. Fifteen months after the kids started the programme, there was no difference in weight, body fat measurements, diet or physical activity levels compared with children not taking part. In an accompanying editorial, an Australian researcher argues for an evidence-based approach to tackling childhood obesity.
