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.

Poll Finds Big Gap Between Parents and Experts: Parents Less Likely to Recognize Children as Overweight or Obese

February 25, 2013 | News Release

A new poll released today shows a large a gap between parents’ perceptions of their children’s weight and expert definitions.

Most Entrees at Chain Restaurants Fail to Meet Federal Nutrition Recommendations for Adults or Children

July 19, 2012 | News Release

The study, which was supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation through its Healthy Eating Research program, examined the nutritional content of 30,923 menu items—including items from children’s menus—from 245 restaurants across the United Stat ...

School Budgets, Student Health to Benefit from Higher Nutrition Standards

June 26, 2012 | News Release

Updated standards for snacks, drinks sold in school likely to have positive impact, study finds.

Study Shows Overwhelming Parent Support for Healthier Schools

October 28, 2009 | News Release

Survey for the Alliance for a Healthier Generation finds most parents willing to help schools improve food offerings and increase physical activity.

NEA HIN Urges Educators to Push for Healthier School Snacks and Drinks

February 12, 2013 | News Release

NEA HIN Urges Educators to Push for Healthier School Snacks and Drinks National Education Association Health Information Network helps school communities take action against childhood obesity

Restaurant Chains Serving More Lower-Calorie Items Do Better Financially

February 7, 2013 | News Release

Restaurant chains that serve more lower-calorie foods and beverages have better business performance, according to a study released by the Hudson Institute.

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Statement Regarding the Proposal of Updated Nutrition Standards for School Snack Foods and Beverages

February 1, 2013 | News Release

The USDA proposed updated nutrition standards. Foundation President and CEO Risa Lavizzo-Mourey released a statement.

California Making Headway in Battle Against Childhood Obesity But Study Shows Successes are Uneven

November 9, 2011 | News Release

Study shows statewide rates for overweight and obesity among school-age children may be leveling off, but progress is uneven across counties.

Teens Purchase Fewer Sugary Drinks After Seeing In-Store Calorie Signage

December 14, 2011 | News Release

Study shows providing calorie information as a physical activity equivalent may be most effective.

For Major Food and Beverage Companies, Healthier Products Yield Healthier Profits

October 13, 2011 | News Release

Companies that sell more better-for-you foods and beverages deliver better business results.