Obesity Prevention Programs In Schools May Be Having Unintended Harmful Effects

School-based childhood obesity programs may be having an unintended harmful effect on some kids, according to a poll of American parents. Nearly a third of parents of children ages 6 to 14 who were surveyed about obesity prevention  programs in their schools said their kids were engaged in “worrisome behavior”: inappropriate dieting, excessive worry about fats in foods, preoccupation with food content and labels, refusing family meals, and too much physical activity. Eighty-two percent of parents reported at least one obesity intervention program in their child’s schools. Seven percent said their children were made to feel bad at school about what and how much they were eating.