Targeting Obesity through Health Promotion Programs for School Staff

Health promotion programs for school staff are an overlooked and under-utilized resource that can lead to reductions in overweight and obesity among teachers and other staff members if implemented properly. In addition to increasing the overall staff wellness, boosting morale, increasing productivity, improving academic achievement, providing healthy role models for children, and, most importantly, reducing overweight and obesity, schools can achieve financial cost reductions similar to those found in other types of worksites. To enhance effectiveness, therefore, schools should consider focusing obesity prevention efforts on current employees as well as students.