The latest scientific research confirms that the environments in which people live, learn and work affect their health and the health of their communities. For example evidence suggests that when children have access to safe parks, they are more active. When local stores sell fresh and affordable healthy foods, families eat better. But when communities are dominated by unhealthy food outlets and lack safe places for children to play, it changes how children live—for the worse.

Often, it takes new policies to change school and community environments in ways that support healthy eating and active living.   “Because the obesity epidemic is a serious public health problem calling for immediate reductions in obesity prevalence and in its health and social consequences…actions should be based on the best available evidence—as opposed to waiting for the best possible evidence.

However, there is an obligation to accumulate appropriate evidence not only to justify a course of action but to assess whether it has made a difference.” (Preventing Childhood Obesity: Health in the Balance, Institute of Medicine, 2004, p.3)

The center’s recommended  policy strategies to reverse the childhood obesity epidemic are based on its review of work by the Institute of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Healthy Eating Active Living Convergence Partnership, Partnership for Prevention, Trust for America’s Health, Transtria and other leading researchers, institutions and coalitions.  

Strategies will be reviewed, expanded and updated regularly as new information becomes available. Sign up to receive e-mail announcements about new content.

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