School-Based Obesity Prevention: A Blueprint for Taming the Epidemic.

Reviewed research on school-based obesity prevention programs to identify ways to minimize increasing obesity levels. Seven studies showed change in body mass index and differed from those not finding change in three ways: program implementers were not classroom teachers, intervention targeted middle or high schools, and inactivity reduction was promoted. An eight-step research strategy is delineated to develop and evaluate the most effective programs. (Contains references.) (SM)