The Obesity Warriors
David Ludwig MD- Harvard Pediatrician and Researcher
Kelly Brownell PhD- Yale Psychologist
Marion Nestle PhD- New York Univ. Researcher
James Sallis PhD- San Diego State Univ. Researcher

Quotes from their research- Exercise Related
Time, June 7th 2004

“The largest school-based health intervention study ever done was a mid 1990’s trial, involving 5000 children in four states, called CATCH (Child and Adolescent Trial for Cardiovascular Health). Aimed at preventing heart disease rather than obesity, it showed that improvements in the lunchroom, gym class and health instruction could change kids’ eating habits and activity levels as school and at home. And the lessons stuck. A follow-up study three years later found that kids who had been through CATCH from 3rd grade through 5th grade still had a healthier diet and were more physically active when they reached middle school than control-group kids.”

“Studies have shown that in a typical elementary school gym class, each kid engages in moderate to vigorous activity for only about 3 minutes. The SPARK (Sports, Play and Active Recreation for kids) ensures at least 15 minutes of activity for every child, which has achieved measurable improvements in fitness. Some parents fear that more time in the gym means less achievement in class but SPARK research suggests otherwise. Academic performance can actually improve with more activity. There may be other benefits as well. During the years which phys-ed has declined, the nation has seen increases in attention-deficit disorder and childhood depression. Exercise benefits overall well-being, not just body weight.”

“We have many more schools than parks around the country. The challenge is to find funding to keep them open after hours as community centers.”