Back to top anchor

How has a 'water only' and 'healthy kai' school policy impacted on child obesity

Year:
2018
Duration:
55 months
Approved budget:
$553,965.92
Researchers:
Dr Gerhard Sundborn
Health issue:
Obesity
Proposal type:
Pacific Health Project
Lay summary
This study will assess the effect of a low sugar food and drink policy on a range of important child health and learning outcomes. We will measure BMI z-score, absenteeism, truancy, and student achievement of primary school students from a school that has had ‘water only’ and ‘healthy kai’ policies in place for more than ten years, and compare these to measurements taken from the two nearest schools with a similar demographic profile but no such nutrition policy. These schools are located in a socioeconomically disadvantaged area of Auckland which is decile 1 ranked. They each have a student population that are comprised of ≥ 80% Pasifika/Māori. A recent study has already shown that this school (that has had ‘water only’ and ‘healthy kai’ policy for 10+ years) has significantly better oral health, with fewer diseased, missing, or filled teeth (DMFT) compared to the eight surrounding schools.