Changes to US school meal program helped reduce BMI in children and teens, study says

Changes to school nutrition standards have helped reduce obesity in children.

A new study looked at more than 14 thousand children and teenagers from 2005 to 2020. Researchers found an overall decrease in “body mass index” or BMI after standards mandated more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products. The overall BMI decrease was seen across ages and income levels, which researchers say is significant.

The new study comes as US leaders consider updates to further limit added sugars and sodium in school meals.