,Shaping a Healthier Generation: Successful State Strategies to Prevent Childhood Obesity

Shaping a Healthier Generation: Successful State Strategies to Prevent Childhood Obesity


 

Publication Date: September 2009

Publisher: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation; National Governors Association Center for Best Practices

Author(s): Kara. Vonasek; Joyal. Mulheron

Research Area: Health

Type: Report

Abstract:

With comprehensive and coordinated initiatives, governors are uniquely positioned to prevent childhood obesity by harnessing the power of the executive office and the collective efforts of multiple stakeholders throughout the state.

This report, released by the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center), looks at actions states are taking to prevent obesity and encourage children to eat healthier and be more active in child care, school, community and health care settings. In addition, the report outlines three key strategies governors can use to help prevent childhood obesity:

* setting a vision and building public awareness for obesity prevention programs;
* coordinating state agencies’ obesity prevention efforts through governance structures; and
* collecting data on children’s health to better address their needs.

Support for Shaping a Healthier Generation: Successful State Strategies to Prevent Childhood Obesity was provided by a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.