The purpose of this study was to examine Ohio parents' perceptions of the role of elementary schools in preventing childhood overweight. In the United States, overweight is the most widespread health threat facing children and adolescents. Schools may be a useful point of intervention in addressing the escalating prevalence of childhood overweight…

Elementary school physical education teachers were almost unanimous in their beliefs that normal weight is very important to the health of children, and accurately perceived the etiology of childhood obesity. Most did not believe schools do enough to alleviate obesity and supported school-based weight reduction techniques. (JD)

Discusses a survey of 498 parents from 2 midwest cities. Responses to questionnaires indicated that parents considered normal weight very important to children's health. Most felt it was not the schools' job to treat obesity. Many supported physical education classes teaching lifelong fitness or food and weight control. (SM)