SASP: A School-Based Structured After School Program to Reduce Childhood Obesity of Primary School Children inBhutan

Abstract

Childhood obesity has become a growing issue in Bhutan and it poses impending challenges. There are lots of preventable diseases and negative social impacts associated with obesity. Bhutan has no structured intervention in place and the increase in sedentary behavior is escalating the global epidemic. Incorporating physical activities in the school routine can bring positive outcomes since there is strong relationship amongst obesity, sedentariness and physical activity. This paper discovers that children are motivated to be obese because schools and communities do not provide platforms for children to be active. Schools need to provide a platform for children to be active and after school hours can be the best period. Hence, the paper argues and concludes that a School-based Structured Active After School Program (SASP) can reduce obesity and regulate sedentary behavior of Bhutanese children. Since programs like SASP are new to Bhutan, the paper reviews various literature from leading journals and other relevant sources that report on childhood obesity, sedentary behavior, after school programs et al. Nonetheless, Childhood obesity cannot be solved overnight. So future research is required to study the impact and advance accordingly. Nutrition related program should be included in future to improve the outcome.