Teen Obesity ─ How Schools Can Be the Number One Solution to the Problem

There is an epidemic obesity in America, and educators are ideally situated to identify, intervene, educate, and support overweight students who are headed for long-term illness or premature death. Such an effort will require changes in the way school's operate. These changes can be implemented with a low-cost budget and by restructuring staff and resources that are currently in place.
Fibkins proposes a Circle of Wellness model for schools that includes an intervention effort to promote a health-oriented cafeteria; increased physical activity; healthy levels of blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar, life-skills training groups offered by counselors, outreach to parents; and easy access and referral to community health, mental health, and recreation resources. Teen Obesity will be of interest to administrators, teachers, and parents.

William L. Fibkins is a university professor, consultant, and researcher specializing in training school administrators to be leaders and mentors; teachers to be advisors and adult advocates; guidance counselors, student assistance counselors, school psychologists, and social workers to implement intervention programs; students to be peer counselors and leaders; and parents to be advocates for marginalized teens. Previously, he was a student assistance counselor, director of guidance services, director of a teacher training center in urban and suburban secondary schools.