Weighing In On New Obesity Report

Marblehead's Food Services director says he's encouraged that students ranked so well in a new statewide obesity study. But Richard Kelleher added that there's plenty more we can do to make kids healthier.

The new report by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health said that 23.3% of Marblehead school children are overweight or obese, based on their height and weight. That's the 10th lowest rating in the state.

"While 23.3 percent is better that most of the commonwealth, I am sure it is still higher that the community would like to see it," Kelleher said. 

Kelleher returned as food services director this fall, after leaving six years ago to work closer to home in Gloucester. He's been busy updating school menus and creating tools to help students and parents make healthier food choices.

"We are instituting a nutritional analysis program that will be able to give our parents and guests the opportunity to really evaluate their food choices and, as a result, make appropriate decisions," he said. "It will also allow us to see which products we need to address."

Parents and students will be able to go online and read the nutritional information (fat, salt, protein content) for each meal on lunch menus. Kelleher said it should be up and running soon.

"We are also offering fresh fruits and vegetables, at all levels, every day," he added.

Kelleher said it's critical to eat healthy -- but kids need to be active, too.

"PlayStation and other electronic entertainments are not helpful to your health," he said. "One-half hour of vigorous exercise a day is essential to keep your body in shape. That means that playing hard for at least thirty minutes is great for your body. It also clears your head and makes your homework go faster."

Statewide, 34% of students are overweight or obese, according to the report. Lawrence has the highest percentage of overweight students at 47%. Arlington has the lowest number at 10%.  Check out the report here.