The Effect of Obesity and Academic Achievement on

Elementary School Children in Texas

Gabriela GutierrezEDFR-6300.60Dr. A. HerreraSpring 2013

“Healthy People 2020 has identified child and

adolescent obesity as one of the 26 leading health indicators and stressed a profound need for reduction of proportion of obese young children and adolescent” (Burgess, 2012).

Word of Caution

The Problem Statement

The problem is that elementary school children in Texas who are obese have lower academic achievement on state compliance exams and have lower self- esteem.

Purpose & Need

The purpose of this research is to examine the relationships between academic achievement, self-esteem and obesity.

In order for children to have higher academic achievement and be happier children, there is a need to include more physical and health education in our school district.

Reviewing the Literature

“Research has suggested that pediatric obesity is a risk factor for poor health-related quality of life, including self-esteem, depression, and school and social functioning, which includes relationships with peers and teachers, ability to pay attention and complete homework, happiness at school, and absenteeism” (Florin, 2011).

“As academic achievement during adolescence is important in predicting adult outcomes, such as unemployment, adult obesity, and adult cardiac risk profiles” (Florin, 2011).

Reviewing the Literature

“The National Obesity Forum have reported that on average, nearly a quarter of children are already overweight or obese at five years of age before they start school” (Burgess, 2012).

There was a correlation between obesity and

academic achievement. it is our responsibility to higher our children

academic achievement and teach them how to live a “healthy lifestyle, in order to prevent or decrease overweight and obesity among our children” (Lind, 2012).

Results

Gaps in the Literature

There was very few studies on effects of obesity on academic achievement in Texas.

There are many other factors that obesity effects that can also be the factor of low academic achievement.

“It is important to prevent and treat obesity

among children as it is a significant predictor of certain chronic conditions, some of which can begin before adulthood, including hypertension, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, orthopedic problems, cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, joint degeneration, heart disease, stroke, and decreased self-esteem” (Lind, 2012).

Conclusion

Burgess, J. N., & Broome, M. E. (2012). Perceptions of

weight and body image among preschool children: a pilot study. Pediatric Nursing, 38(3), 147-176.

Florin, T. A., Shults, J., & Stettler, N. (2011). Perception of overweight is associated with poor academic performance in US adolescents. Journal Of School Health, 81(11), 663-670.

Hair, E. C., & Graziano, W. G. (2003). Self-esteem, personality and achievement in high school: a prospective longitudinal study in Texas. Journal Of Personality, 71(6), 971.

Reference Cited

Lind, C., & Mirchandani G., & Castrucci B., &

Chavez N., & Handler A.,& Hoelscher D. (2004). The effects of acculturation on healthy lifestyle characteristics among Hispanic fourth-grade children in Texas public schools, 2004-2005. Journal Of School Health. April 2012;82(4):166-174.

Natale, R., Scott, S., Messiah, S. E., Schrack, M., Uhlhorn, S. B., & Delamater, A. (2013). Design and methods for evaluating an early childhood obesity prevention program in the childcare center setting. BMC Public Health, 13(1), 1-10.

Reference Cited