The Academy for Eating Disorders (AED), a global professional association committed to leadership in eating disorders research, education, treatment and prevention, issued guidelines for childhood obesity prevention programs to ensure that community- and school-based efforts are carried out with equal concern for children's physical, social and emotional health.
The guidelines are published on the AED Web site, and can be found at http://www.aedweb.org/policy/index.cfm.
Rising apprehension about the health consequences of childhood obesity has led to the initiation of prevention programs, which are implemented with the best of intentions. However, the Academy is concerned that, in some cases, the programs contribute to negative self-esteem, body dissatisfaction and eating disordered behaviors among young people. AED applauds efforts to create environments that support children's health, and has taken steps to ensure obesity prevention programs have no unintended negative consequences.
"Childhood obesity prevention programs have important potential, but they must be administered with the child's overall health and well-being in mind," said AED President Judith Banker, LLP, MA, FAED. "Our guidelines will help schools and communities develop programs that address rising weights while emphasizing a healthy lifestyle."
Included in AED's guidelines for childhood obesity prevention programs: