US school reform signed, as Trump wants to fight obesity – Eunews

Report on a National Policy Initiative to Combat Obesity and its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction: Policy Context and Global Health Frameworks

This report analyzes a United States policy initiative aimed at addressing obesity through the promotion of physical fitness within the public school system. The policy is examined in the context of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with a particular focus on its alignment with key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

The initiative represents a national-level strategy that diverges from internationally proposed measures such as consumption taxes and restrictive marketing, focusing instead on individual empowerment and physical education as primary tools for combating non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Policy Analysis: The Presidential Fitness Test Initiative

Overview of the Initiative

The core of the policy is the reinstatement of the Presidential Fitness Test in American public schools. This program, originally established in 1956 and discontinued in 2012, is designed to promote physical activity and fitness among youth. Key components of the restored program include:

• One-mile run
• Pull-ups
• Push-ups
• Sit-and-reach test

The initiative is supported by a newly appointed President’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition, tasked with fostering a culture of physical activity and personal responsibility.

Stated Objectives and Relation to SDG 3

The policy’s primary objective is to address the obesity crisis by shifting focus from dietary restrictions to increasing energy expenditure. This approach directly relates to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), specifically Target 3.4, which aims to reduce premature mortality from NCDs through prevention.

1. Prevention over Prescription: The policy emphasizes proactive health measures (physical activity) rather than regulatory actions on food products. It seeks to empower individuals to improve their well-being, a core principle of promoting healthy lives under SDG 3.
2. Holistic Health Concept: By promoting physical fitness, the initiative advocates for a holistic view of health that integrates physical conditioning as a crucial component of well-being, moving beyond a singular focus on diet.
3. Addressing Inactivity: The strategy identifies a decline in energy expenditure as a critical factor in rising obesity rates, aiming to reverse this trend by embedding physical activity into the daily lives of young citizens.

Integration with Broader Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 4: Quality Education

The implementation of the fitness test within schools links public health objectives with SDG 4 (Quality Education). A quality education encompasses the full development of the individual, including physical and mental well-being.

• The program integrates health and fitness directly into the educational framework, recognizing schools as vital platforms for instilling lifelong healthy habits.
• It contributes to a curriculum that values physical literacy alongside academic achievement, fostering a more rounded and sustainable approach to human development.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

The policy’s universal, school-based approach can be analyzed through the lens of SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). Proponents argue that it avoids the potentially regressive impacts of other health interventions.

• Unlike consumption taxes on sugar or certain foods, which may disproportionately affect low-income households, a universal physical education program is accessible to all students regardless of their socioeconomic status.
• By focusing on empowerment rather than punitive measures, the policy aims to avoid stigmatizing consumption patterns often linked to economic vulnerability, thereby promoting a more equitable approach to public health.

Critical Assessment and Conclusion

Strengths of the Approach

The initiative’s strength lies in its direct, action-oriented focus on promoting positive behaviors. It aligns with the principles of empowerment and prevention central to the SDG framework. By leveraging the education system, it seeks to create a sustainable, long-term impact on public health by targeting younger generations.

Identified Gaps and Limitations

While the focus on physical activity is a positive step, the policy’s effectiveness may be limited by its narrow scope. A comprehensive strategy for achieving SDG 3 requires a multi-faceted approach that also addresses critical factors such as nutrition and dietary balance. The initiative does not incorporate principles of healthy eating, such as those found in the Mediterranean diet, which are essential for combating obesity.

In conclusion, the reintroduction of the Presidential Fitness Test is a concrete policy action that aligns with the preventative health and educational goals of the SDGs. It represents a significant gesture toward promoting physical activity. However, to fully address the complex challenge of obesity and contribute effectively to the 2030 Agenda, such an initiative would need to be integrated into a broader strategy that also encompasses nutrition, food security, and the wider socioeconomic determinants of health.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article primarily addresses issues related to two Sustainable Development Goals:

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

  This goal is central to the article, which focuses on the global health challenge of obesity, described as “one of the most pressing health and economic challenges of our time.” The entire discussion revolves around different policy approaches to combat non-communicable diseases (NCDs), with obesity being a primary example.

• SDG 4: Quality Education

  This goal is relevant because the solution highlighted in the article is educational in nature. The Trump administration’s strategy involves reintroducing “the Presidential Fitness Test… to American public schools.” This action directly links the promotion of health to the education system by focusing on physical education and instilling a “culture of movement” in younger generations.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the following specific targets can be identified:

• Target 3.4: Reduce mortality from non-communicable diseases and promote mental health

  The article directly references the “Fourth High-Level Meeting (HLM4) on non-communicable diseases” and discusses obesity as a major health crisis. The proposed policy of promoting physical activity is a strategy aimed at preventing and managing obesity, thereby contributing to the reduction of premature mortality from NCDs like heart disease and diabetes, which are often linked to obesity.

• Target 4.7: Education for sustainable development and global citizenship

  This target aims to ensure learners acquire knowledge and skills for sustainable lifestyles. The article’s focus on reintroducing the Presidential Fitness Test and appointing a “President’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition” is a direct effort to use the educational system to “promote a culture of movement, performance, and personal responsibility.” This is an educational approach to fostering healthy and sustainable lifestyles from a young age, as the article states the goal is “empowering citizens, actively involving them in building their own well-being.”

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article mentions and implies several indicators that can be used to measure progress:

• Indicators for Target 3.4

  • Prevalence of overweight and obesity: The article provides a direct statistical indicator by stating, “in the United States, where 75% of the population is overweight or obese.” Tracking this percentage over time would be a key measure of progress in combating obesity.
  • Prevalence of physical inactivity: The article implies this is a key indicator by shifting the focus “from what we eat to what we no longer burn” and highlighting the “dramatic decline in energy expenditure.” Measuring levels of physical activity in the population would be a relevant indicator.

• Indicators for Target 4.7

  • Implementation of physical education programs in schools: The primary action discussed is the executive order to “restore the program first launched in 1956 and discontinued in 2012.” The existence and scope of this national fitness program in public schools serve as a direct indicator.
  • Measurement of physical fitness levels in students: The article specifies the components of the test: “the one-mile run, pull-ups, push-ups, and the sit-and-reach test.” The results of these tests would provide quantitative data to measure the physical fitness of students, indicating the effectiveness of the educational initiative.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: eunews.it