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.

Daily P.E. Could Increase Youth Physical Activity by 23 Minutes per Day, According to New Study

January 17, 2013 | News Release

Requiring daily physical education in school could help young people be active for 23 minutes per day, according to a new study.

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.

Strong State Laws on School Snacks, Drinks May Help to Prevent Weight Gain, New Study Finds

August 15, 2012 | News Release

Children, teens in states with strong laws gained less weight as they got older than those in states without such policies.

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.

Industry Efforts to Improve Nutrition and Marketing for Children's Cereals Yield Mixed Results

June 22, 2012 | News Release

The first Cereal FACTS study was released in 2009, and found that least healthy cereals were those most frequently and aggressively marketed directly to children as young as age 2.

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.”

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."

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.