At first the prognosis was good. In 2001 the Christchurch Obesity Prevention Project (dubbed "Ditch the Fizz") instructed students in southern England on the link between drinking fizzy soft drinks and weight gain. The students - who ranged in age from seven to 11 - were also encouraged to maintain a healthier diet and attended various health education classes. Following the study, researchers analyzed the intervention group and found a lower rate of obesity when compared to peers who had not been in the program - a sign that the study had successfully convinced children to curb bad nutrition habits.

Now, researchers aren't quite so optimistic, says a ScienceDaily.com article, which cites a study published in the British Medical Journal. Follow-up analysis conducted two, then three years after the study reveals that there is no longer a significant difference between the original intervention and control groups when it comes to weight. In other words, students who participated in the program appeared to have initially adopted healthier eating habits, but did not maintain them. No long-term impact was made.

"The authors say the original study provided hope that simple interventions could have an impact on obesity levels," the article states, "but they now believe these sorts of programs need to be continuous if their long term effect is to be properly assessed."

The bottom line? Unless a Fat Vaccine hits the market, children need more than a quick fix to keep them disciplined with regards to their diet. But will long-term programs be made available, or is nutrition education a lost cause?