Since May 2, school authorities have been taking weight and height measures of 750.000 students from 4.200 public and private institutions. The data will be compiled on the First Students Census on Weight and Height.
This data will allow to the Public Education Ministry and the Health Ministry to understand how students are being fed and, from there, design policies for promoting brain development and tackling overweight and obesity issues.
Obesity among children from 7 to 12 years is about 40%, according to a projection of the Program of Student’s Health of the social security system (CCSS).
So far, 4 percent (about 19.500 students) of the population has taken part in the census. The collection of data will be done by September and the results will make known by March, reported Ivania Caravaca, head of the census.
Based on what the census shows, the schools’ menus will be designed specifically to address necessities on each institution. Additionally, schools will encourage more physical activities and healthy life styles.
Source: La Nación.