Photo credit: National Association of School Nurses

The nation has spoken. Americans believe obesity is a serious problem, particularly in children and teens.

According to a recent telephone survey, conducted in English and Spanish, by Field Research and Kaiser Permanente, 90 percent of Americans believe that K-12 schools should take a stronger stance in the fight against childhood obesity.

The study also revealed that large majorities of Americans want schools to take the lead on childhood obesity by implementing a new national school nutrition standard established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (“USDA”). The new standard would reduce sodium, and saturated and trans fat, while boosting fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. They also strongly supported using the same standards in vending machines on school grounds.

In addition to healthier food and beverage options, parents supported regular physical activity during schools day by 78%, believing healthier foods in school would increase academic performance.

“These findings confirm there is widespread support for school and community involvement in combating childhood obesity,” said Mark DiCamillo, senior vice president of Field Research Corporation and Director of the non-partisan Field Poll.

The survey also highlighted several key differences based on states, region and ethnicity.

Differences across selected states and regions

The views of residents in California, Colorado, the Greater Washington D.C. Area and the Pacific Northwest are generally similar to those of the overall U.S. public on most of the issues polled. Some areas where differences are found across these states and regions include the following:

•   Californians are somewhat more likely than others to describe obesity as a very serious problem and to say that community groups and organizations outside the family should be involved in combating the problem.

•   Californians, along with residents of the Pacific Northwest, are also somewhat more apt to think it is highly important for the schools to increase opportunities for kids to walk and bike to school.

•   Both California adults and residents of the Greater Washington D.C. Area are more likely than others to strongly endorse the new USDA school nutrition standards for meals served in school.

•   While Coloradans are just as likely to believe the k-12 schools should be involved in obesity reduction efforts, fewer believe employers and government should be playing a major role in these efforts.

Differences across ethnic populations

Larger proportions of African Americans (84 percent) and Latinos (82 percent) than others believe community groups and organizations should be involved in reducing obesity. Latinos (93 percent) and African Americans (87 percent) are also more likely to endorse the new USDA school nutrition standards than other ethnic populations.

“These survey results underscore the importance of taking action now to improve the environments in which we live, work, learn and play,” said Raymond J. Baxter, Kaiser Permanente’s senior vice president for Community Benefit, Research and Health Policy.

Yes, the nation has spoken.

About Kaiser Permanente 



Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. The company is recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente’s mission is to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. It currently serves approximately 9.1 million members in nine states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal physicians, specialists and team of caregivers. Kaiser Permanente experts and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery and world-class chronic disease management. The company is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education and the support of community health. For more information, go to kp.org/newscenter.

About Field Research Corporation 


Field Research Corporation is a national, full service consumer marketing and public opinion research firm headquartered in San Francisco, California. Founded in 1945 by Mervin Field, Field Research has been serving the survey research needs of business, industry and government for more than 60 years. It was one of the nation’s first survey research organizations and today ranks among the most respected.