Armed with healthier menus, schools waging war on obesity

'Tain't about the menus.

The U.S. has taken the dubious lead in an international obesity study, which predicts that three out of four Americans will be overweight or obese by 2020.

Moreover, disease rates and health care spending due to obesity will balloon, unless governments, individuals and industry cooperate on a comprehensive strategy to combat the epidemic, according to the study by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development said.

With obesity rates on the rise and fast food a popular meal choice, how will Americans be able to overcome the weight-gaining trend? Healthy eating habits at an early age is one way, officials say.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, results from a 2007-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which measured heights and weights, indicated that an estimated 17 percent of children and adolescents ages 2-19 years are obese and are more likely to become obese as adults.

So what are school cafeterias doing to combat the problem?

“Our meals are planned to provide nutrionally balanced meals that meet the RDA guidelines,” said Cami Lewis, director of Child Nutrtion and Food Services for the Mooresville Graded School District. “In doing that we use portion control and offer a variety of foods.”

'Tain't never gonna work.

'Tis a waste.