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.

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Statement Regarding Release of "In It for Good: 2012" Annual Progress Report by Partnership for a Healthier America

March 7, 2013 | Commentary

RWJF President and CEO Risa Lavizzo-Mourey sees "pockets of progress toward reversing the childhood obesity epidemic," but says more needs to be done.

Philadelphia School District Reports Progress in Reducing Childhood Obesity Rates

September 6, 2012 | Commentary/News Release/Journal Article/Story

Largest declines seen among African American boys and Hispanic girls.

Statement Regarding The Walt Disney Company's Pledge to Help Prevent Childhood Obesity Through New Marketing Standards

June 5, 2012 | Commentary/Story/Staff and Leadership

"Having fun is an important part of growing up. But kids can’t have fun if they aren’t healthy. We commend Disney for recognizing that, and for making changes in their business model to help kids lead healthier lives.”

Statement Regarding Accelerating Progress in Obesity Prevention

May 8, 2012 | Commentary

“Is it possible to reverse the childhood obesity epidemic?” We know now that the answer is emphatically, “Yes.”

New USDA School Meal Guidelines: Paving the Way for a Healthier Future for Millions of Children

January 24, 2012 | Commentary/Story

“These changes are badly needed. Although many schools have made significant improvements to their meal programs, we must ensure that all schools strive to provide more nutritious meals for students."

Partnerships for Progress in Active Living

January 1, 2012 | Commentary

This special issue of Health & Place highlights some of the research studies on active living research that were presented at the 2011 Active Living Research Annual Conference that should be useful for researchers, practitioners and advocates.

We Need Bold Action on Childhood Obesity

July 8, 2010 | Commentary

Americans are "way ahead of their elected officials" and they want action now, says RWJF Senior Vice President James S. Marks in a commentary on The Huffington Post.

Adapting Physical Activity Interventions to Prevent Obesity in Culturally Diverse Populations

July 1, 2009 | Commentary

To address obesity in culturally diverse populations, interventions should include "real-world" practices that are adapted to cultural needs, values and resources, according to Terry L. Bazzarre, Ph.D., a former senior program director at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Reducing Childhood Obesity Requires Everyone Working Together

March 17, 2009 | Commentary/Story

RWJF President and CEO Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, M.D., M.B.A. recently sat down with McKinsey & Company to discuss the Foundation's work on childhood obesity.

Commentary on Active Living

February 1, 2009 | Commentary

This commentary highlights the need for a shift in health promotion research, from identifying priorities to implementing them. Pekka Puska, M.D., Ph.D., argues that health researchers must drive social change by implementing theory-based policies to diffuse health innovations.