In 2018 approximately 20% of children in the United States were classified as obese, and schools were responsible for nearly half of the caloric intake for most students. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between childhood BMI and school provided meal consumption. Using the data from the 2017-18 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, the BMI of children aged 5-19 was compared to a variety of variables including number of breakfasts and lunches consumed each week at school. Odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals were used to measure association between BMI and the variables. The results confirmed that children consuming greater numbers of school provided lunch showed an increased risk for higher BMI and obesity. The results also showed evidence that confounding factors such as race and socioeconomic status played a role in the obesity rates of children. Previous research identified that most school age children’s diets did not align with the Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Act. There is a relationship between meals consumed at school and childhood BMI, however the results from this study bring up more questions to be answered. Future research could develop an intervention in school lunch programs to align meals with the nutrition recommendations for children and asses the change in BMI status of children with this intervention. This research could show how big of a role the school meals play in the overall health and nutrition of school aged children.
Authors: Chloe Arrasmith, Molly Foster, Ashley Hoegler
Advisor: Saruna Ghimire, Sociology and Gerontology
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