Year Five Evaluation: Arkansas Act 1220 of 2003 to Combat Childhood Obesity


 

Publication Date: April 2009

Publisher: Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR; Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

Author(s): University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health

Research Area: Health

Type: Report

Abstract:

Obesity is recognized as one of the most pressing health threats faced by families and communities in Arkansas and in the nation overall. Today, nearly one-third of U.S. children and adolescents—about 23 million youths—are obese or overweight. Though the alarming rates of increase among some children and youths appear to have slowed or stabilized, both nationally and in Arkansas, these rates continue to rise among teens and many racial and ethnic populations. The serious health and economic implications associated with obesity are stimulating federal and state legislative changes to address the epidemic.

With the passage of Act 1220 of 2003 and the subsequent work by schools and communities, Arkansas became a national leader in addressing childhood obesity through a comprehensive school-based intervention. The Act mandated a limited number of immediate statewide policy changes and also established mechanisms to help create future changes at both the state and local levels. The ultimate objective of the legislation is to improve the health of Arkansas children and their families.