Report on State Policies to Address Childhood Obesity

A new report from the National Governors Association outlines state policy activities to address childhood obesity.

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. Childhood obesity is not an isolated problem. It spans gender, socioeconomic status, race, and age, and impacts everything from academic achievement to health care costs to wellness outcomes over a person’s lifespan. ... As chief executives of the states, governors have an important platform to promote healthier lifestyles among children and families by invoking the power of the executive office to set the state’s vision, strategic direction, and priorities. Gubernatorial leadership serves as a framework within which lawmakers, community leaders, parents, and other key participants can influence policy decisions and implement programs to improve children’s health. This report shows that many governors are taking obesity prevention policies and programs to a new level of effectiveness by building wellness practices into child care, school, community, and health care settings and establishing governance systems to enhance program coordination across state agencies.

For policies to increase access to children's health care. (Hat tip to Front and Center)