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Amanda Harrist, Oklahoma State University and Laura Hubbs-Tait, Oklahoma State University

(THE CONVERSATION) Hundreds of programs over the past four decades – from the removal of junk food from school vending machines to Michelle Obama's "Let's Move" campaign – have tried to get kids in the U.S. to eat healthier food and exercise more often.

But none of these efforts lowered national child obesity rates. In fact, child obesity has continued to increase. This has been particularly t...