Obesity update
Despite widespread awareness among parents, educators and government and public health officials concerning the growing health risks posed by childhood obesity, little progress is being made to address the issue, according to a new report by the Institute of Medicine.
The report, by the Institute's Committee on Progress in Preventing Childhood Obesity, examined the progress made by obesity prevention initiatives in the United States during the past two years.
Its findings reveal that although federal, state and local governments and community groups are actively engaged in childhood obesity prevention efforts, a lack of central leadership, funding and program evaluation measures are hampering those efforts. As a result, childhood obesity continues to increase across the country.
A long-term commitment to create a healthy environment for our children and youth is urgently needed," the report concluded. "This commitment will require widespread changes in social norms, institutions, and practices beyond those that directly involved children and youth."
The committee said that government, industry, communities, school and families need to demonstrate leadership and commitment in order to mobilize resources and identify, implement and evaluate policies and interventions that address the childhood obesity epidemic.
The committee members recommended that local, state and federal officials identify priorities for action in childhood obesity prevention efforts and coordinate those action items with community groups. They also suggest that school districts bolster their physical education and nutrition requirements, and that industry and the public health community strengthen partnerships that support obesity prevention efforts.
Additionally, committee members advocate that parents take an active role in prevention efforts at home by monitoring changes in their family's food, beverage and physical activity choices and encouraging a healthier lifestyle.