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

NGA Center for Best Practices. 444 North Capitol Street Suite 267, Washington, DC 20001. Tel: 202-624-5300; Fax: 202-624-5313; Web site: http://www.nga.org/center

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64

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

Policymakers

Obesity; Prevention; Children; Child Health; Health Promotion; Well Being; Public Health; Policy Formation; Public Policy; Local Government; Government Role; State Government; Child Care; Health Education; Health Services; Nutrition; Physical Activity Level; Life Style; Educational Environment; Lunch Programs; Breakfast Programs; Federal Programs; Physical Education; Physical Fitness; Transportation; Neighborhoods; Eating Habits; Body Composition; Counseling; Screening Tests; Clinical Diagnosis; School Health Services; Home Visits; Nurses; Strategic Planning; Governance; State Agencies; Public Agencies

Studies show that childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. Today, more than 23 million American children--or nearly one in every three--are overweight or obese. If childhood obesity is left unaddressed, a generation of individuals could face health, social, and economic challenges that promise to stress government at all levels. 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. The National Governors Association (NGA) Center for Best Practices convened the "Shaping a Healthier Generation Advisory Council" in response to the need for innovative and actionable childhood obesity prevention strategies for governors to implement in their states. This report, based on the Council's work, aims to offer direction to governors and other policymakers who want to craft children's health policies that prevent obesity and advance the well-being of families. (Contains 6 tables, 3 figures, and 194 notes.)

ERIC

2010

ED507636