Physical education in school declines as children proceed through the grade levels. Nearly 100 percent of fifth graders have a physical education class. The percent of students engaged in physical education classes drops to 50 percent during eleventh and twelfth grades. Most school-aged children do not have sufficient physical activity to build cardiorespiratory fitness. Diets of school-aged children can affect obesity, as well.
Studies indicate that children have too much fat in their diets.
Eating diets high in fat and being less physically active leads to lifelong patterns that affect health status in older adult years. On the other hand, parents and society may demand too much of children when it comes to controlling weight. Children as young as the fourth grade show increased anxiety about their body weights. Parents should use caution when dealing with an overweight child. Instead, focus on dietary variety.