This study evaluated the effectiveness of the Coordinated School Health Program model
in reducing childhood obesity rates using state-level data collected by the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) for the years 1994, 2000, and 2006. I measured the effectiveness
of school health policies including routine BMI screening, joint activities between health
education and food service staff, staff training on nutrition, staff training on exercise, certifying
health educators, prohibiting sale of junk food, limiting access to vending machines, whether
schools teach about nutrition in class, and whether schools teach about exercise in class.
The only significant variables are BMI Screen and Staff Nutrition Training. BMI
Screen is positively associated with the childhood obesity rate, suggesting that states may only
include BMI screening as part of routine check-up after obesity rates have reached a critical
stage, not as a preventative measure. Providing training in nutrition for school staff is the only
policy that is by itself effective in reducing the state childhood obesity rate.