JHU Obesity Prevention Research

The purpose of this research was to address the obesity epidemic in Baltimore City.
Through partnership with the Global Obesity Prevention Center at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and the Girl Scouts of Central Maryland, increased access to healthy food choices and physical activity for economically disadvantaged girls in grades 1 through 5 is being provided.

Publication

Environmental Scan

Development of the Healthy Choices (also known as Fierce and Fit) Curricula

Includes nutrition, physical education, and physical activity components
24 sessions developed for grades 1-3
24 sessions developed for grades 4-5

Development of Program and Process Evaluation Tools

Logic models, rubric, program evaluation tools and processes (surveys, observation, etc.) to track key performance indicators have been developed.

Conducted a Comprehensive Environmental Scan

A comprehensive environmental scan was conducted on 28 schools and 10 recreation centers in Baltimore City.

Secured a grant from Leveling the Playing Field

A grant was secured to provide in-kind donations of around $1,000 worth of sports equipment for the Healthy Choices pilot program.

Some of the donated items are listed below:

Yoga mats
Soccer balls
Basketballs
Tennis racquets
Tennis balls

Fruit and Veggie Bags

390 pounds of fruit and vegetables were distributed to program participants and their families.

Presentations and Publications

Published the results of the pilot program in a scientific journal
Presented the program impacts to policy makers and stakeholders
Conveyed the progressive change in obesity status, health risk, obesity-associated health care costs, and productivity losses of Baltimore City elementary schools and healthy choice program participants throughout their lifetime

Planned and hosted a Family Fun Day event for program participants

The day consisted of:

Fun physical activity stations (including water games)
Guest speaker, Mrs. Amanda Mack, Founder of Crust by Mack
Apron Design Station
Cooking class

JHU Obesity Prevention Research: List

JHU Obesity Prevention Research: Gallery