ORLANDO, Fla. -- The South Beach Diet is being tried out in several Florida schools as part of a study looking for solutions to childhood obesity.

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Six schools near Orlando will integrate Dr. Arthur Agatston's famous diet into their cafeterias. Instead of waffles, pancakes and sugary cereals, students will be served whole wheat bread, low fat cheese and fruit.

The changes in menu are part of a study being conducted by a research center founded by Agatston, developer of the diet and the author of "The South Beach Diet." The study will evaluate whether school cafeterias are capable of serving more nutritious ingredients, if kids will eat them and whether students' health improves from better eating.

The program underscores growing concerns across the nation about childhood obesity. The National Institutes of Health estimates that about one out of five U.S. children are obese, a problem that may lead to diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.

The South Beach Diet was first introduced on Local 10 in 2001, and has since gained popularity with the release of Agatston's best-selling book.