Childhood obesity is one of the biggest threats to our nation’s health, economy and future.
Children who have obesity are at greater risk for diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease, which have a significant impact on health and health care costs. In addition, childhood obesity remains a source of significant, persistent disparities, especially among African Americans, Native Americans and Latinos.
Across America, communities are helping to reverse the trend of childhood obesity through changes in public policy, community environments and industry practices that support healthy eating, physical activity, and healthier choices for kids and families. In alliance with a growing coalition of civic and business leaders, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is working to help advance these types of changes, so we can ensure all children are able to grow up at a healthy weight, and have a healthy start in life.
A first-ever report includes the best available data on national and state childhood obesity rates, policies that can help address the epidemic, and stories about local communities taking action.