Childhood Obesity Epidemic: Emerging Role for School-based Occupational Therapists

ABSTRACT

In the United States, childhood obesity continues to increase at unprecedented rates. School-based occupational therapists can play a more significant role in health promotion and obesity prevention efforts in the school setting. Since this is a relatively new role for occupational therapists, there is still a tremendous gap in the literature regarding occupational therapy’s impact on obesity. This article explores the role occupational therapists can play in health promotion and obesity prevention efforts in schools. It will explain how occupational therapists are uniquely qualified to lead and support these school-based health initiatives and how these efforts can help improve children’s overall health and wellness. The hope is that these efforts will help promote more successful educational outcomes for all students.

KEYWORDS:

• Childhood obesity
• prevention
• occupational therapist
• schools

Acknowledgments

The author would like to thank her loving husband, Ricardo, and dedicated family and friends, for their loving support. A special thanks to her personal advisor Dr. Beth Hathaway, program director Dr. Bernadette Mineo, and the entire OTD faculty at A.T. Still University for their guidance and support during the development of this article.