Developing and publishing a book on preventing obesity in children and youth

Obesity is implicated in approximately 300,000 deaths per year, and is now poised to surpass smoking as the most preventable cause of death in the U.S. For children, the epidemic is especially ominous--people who become obese as children face the prospect of a life shortened and marred by medical problems, as well as the high likelihood of transmitting their vulnerability to weight gain and diabetes to their offspring. Parents and concerned consumers need to know what researchers have learned about preventing and treating obesity, and how to choose strategies that are most likely to work. This grant provides partial support for the production of a book by Susan Okie, M.D., in collaboration with the Institute of Medicine, currently titled, Protecting Children from Obesity. The book aims to present a broad, practical, and popular look at all the factors contributing to childhood obesity, as well as specific strategies for protecting children, targeting those engaged in trying to improve children's exercise and eating habits. This project will be considered successful if all project activities are completed and the manuscript is successfully completed and disseminated. Project activities will include: a review/survey of relevant child obesity literature; research on key issues of science, health, and public policy regarding childhood obesity; preparation of all written materials; book design and composition, production, and printing; and marketing and promotion.

Grant Details

Amount Awarded $40,000.00

Awarded on: 3/23/2004

Time frame: 4/1/2004 - 3/31/2005

Grant Number: 49882