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Longitudinal Impact of School Nutrition Policies on Childhood Obesity Trends: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Authors: Lei Yang¹, Chao Luo², Xiantao Zeng³*


Affiliations:

¹ Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China

² The Affiliated Huaian No.1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaian 223300, China

³ Center for Adolescent Health, University of XXXXXX, City, Postcode, Country


*Corresponding Author: Xiantao Zeng, Email: zengxiantao1128@whu.edu.cn

Abstract

This quasi-experimental study evaluates the longitudinal impact of comprehensive school nutrition policy implementation on childhood obesity trends across 125 school districts. Using difference-in-differences analysis with 45,320 student observations over 5 years, we found that districts implementing strong nutrition standards demonstrated significant reductions in obesity prevalence compared to control districts. Policy effects emerged within 2 years of implementation and strengthened over time, with the most substantial impacts observed among elementary school students and children from low-income families. The findings provide robust evidence for school nutrition policies as effective strategies for obesity prevention.


Keywords: School Nutrition Policies; Childhood Obesity; Quasi-Experimental Study; Difference-in-Differences; Policy Evaluation; Obesity Prevention

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