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.

Concept Mapping: Priority Community Strategies to Create Changes to Support Active Living

November 1, 2012 | Journal Article

The ALbD program evaluation used concept mapping to identify promising strategies to support active living as generated by community representatives involved in the program, including changes to the built and natural environment, partnerships and collaboration efforts, and land-use and transportation policies.

State Obesity Legislation: Community- and School-Based Bills More Likely to be Passed

November 17, 2008 | Program Result Report

Researchers at the St. Louis University School of Public Health conducted an analysis of childhood obesity legislation introduced in all states between 2003 and 2005.

Patterns and Predictors of Enactment of State Childhood Obesity Legislation in the United State

October 18, 2012 | Journal Article

This research and practice report identifies characteristics of state-level childhood obesity legislation that influences bill passage rates. Bills introduced by a bipartisan group of legislators were most likely to pass.

Using Evidence to Create Active Communities: Stories from the Field--Policy and Research with Chicago's Child Care Centers

February 1, 2013 | Journal Article

Improving child care standards relating to nutrition, physical activity, and screen-time was a joint resolution passed by the Consortium to Lower Obesity in Chicago Children.

Food Taxes: What Type of Evidence is Available to Inform Policy Development?

March 1, 2012 | Journal Article

This international literature review looks at the kinds of evidence that is available to inform policy-makers on food taxes and health.

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.

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.

Consumers' Estimation of Calorie Content at Fast Food Restaurants

May 23, 2013 | Journal Article

In an effort to prevent overweight and obesity due to increased fast-food consumption, new national policy will require restaurants to post calories on their menus.

Energy Drinks: An Emerging Public Health Hazard for Youth

May 4, 2013 | Journal Article

Better labeling and more stringent regulation are warranted for energy drinks.

Active Living by Design

National Program

To increase physical activity through community design, public policies and communications strategies.