Preventing Childhood Obesity: Health in the Balance

The report, Preventing Childhood Obesity: Health in the Balance, has been released by the US National Academy of Sciences in September 2004, outlining recommendations for combating the rapid rise in childhood obesity.

A committee of experts in child health, obesity, nutrition, physical activity and public health were appointed to draw up a prevention-orientated action plan to lower the numbers of obese US children. The report aims to describe the action plan, consisting of explicit recommendations for confronting the obesity epidemic, methods for prevention, and suggested research opportunities. The report concludes that a multi-pronged attack is needed which will include efforts from schools, families, communities, industry, media and government. It also explains the actions needed to initiate, support and sustain the societal and lifestyle changes that can reverse the obesity trend among children and youth.

Web link:
European Public Health Alliance - http://www.epha.org
Institute of Medicine - http://www.iom.edu