Childhood Obesity Program Area

RWJF is committed to tackling one of the most urgent threats to the health of our children and families—childhood obesity. Our goal is to reverse the childhood obesity epidemic by 2015.

What’s With Our National Donut Worship?

June 18, 2013 | Culture of Health Post

How discouraging that, despite the escalating obesity crisis in the U.S. among adults and, even more scarily, children, America seems to be obsessed with donuts.

Economic and Community Development Benefits of Healthy Food Retail

June 17, 2013 | Report

Research shows that when communities have access to affordable, healthy foods, residents purchase and consume healthier foods over time.

Painting a Picture of Childhood Obesity with a Geographic Information System

June 14, 2013 | Program Result Report

The Childhood Obesity Prevention Geographic Information System (GIS) allows users to combine local, state, and national information on people and places to combat obesity.

New Brunswick Bike Exchange on a Roll

June 12, 2013 | Culture of Health Post

A grassroots effort brings refurbished bikes to those who otherwise would not be able to afford them, along with a fun way to keep active.

States, School Districts Help Keep Junk Foods and Sugary Drinks Out of Elementary Schools

June 10, 2013 | News Release

Elementary schools are less likely to sell candy, ice cream, sugary drinks, cookies, cakes, and other unhealthy snacks when states or school districts have policies that limit the sale of such items.

Association Between District and State Policies and U.S. Public Elementary School Competitive Food and Beverage Environments

June 10, 2013 | Journal Article

This study examines the association between district and state policy requirements regarding availability in public elementary schools of competitive food and beverages, including high-fat and high-sugar snacks, drinks, and salty snacks.

Food Retail and Financing Initiatives to Address Obesity in Latino Communities

June 6, 2013 | Issue Brief

This research review and issue brief examines relevant research regarding access to healthy foods in Latino communities

School Soft Drink Availability and Consumption Among U.S. Secondary Students

June 1, 2013 | Journal Article

The association between regular and diet soft drink availability in schools and student consumption is examined in this article.

Menu Labeling Regulations and Calories Purchased at Chain Restaurants

June 1, 2013 | Journal Article

This study examined whether the mean number of calories purchased by consumers decreased after the regulation to include caloric information on menus was implemented.

Nutritional Quality at Eight U.S. Fast-Food Chains

June 1, 2013 | Journal Article

This study looked at the nutritional quality of menu offerings at eight fast-food restaurant chains over 14 years.