Promoting Healthy Lifestyles and Decreasing Childhood Obesity: Increasing Physician Effectiveness Through Advocacy

Abstract Childhood obesity is a well-documented public health crisis. Even many children who are not overweight have inadequate physical activity, poor nutrition, excessive television and other screen time, or some combination thereof. The solution lies in the community. Environmental interventions...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Annals of family medicine 2011-11, Vol.9 (6), p.546-548
Main Author: Saxe, Jessica Schorr, MD
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Child
Consumer Advocacy
Diet
Environment Design
Exercise
Health Promotion
Humans
Internal Medicine
Life Style
Obesity - prevention & control
Physician's Role
Reflections
Schools
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Summary:Abstract Childhood obesity is a well-documented public health crisis. Even many children who are not overweight have inadequate physical activity, poor nutrition, excessive television and other screen time, or some combination thereof. The solution lies in the community. Environmental interventions are among the most effective for improving public health. In addition to addressing lifestyle issues in the office, physicians should advocate for environmental approaches. We can advocate at institutional, local, state, and federal levels through speaking, writing, and collaborating with others. In the United States, the timing is right to synergize with efforts such as the White House Task Force on Childhood Obesity and the Surgeon General's emphasis on changing the national conversation “from a negative one about obesity and illness” to a positive one about health and fitness.
ISSN:1544-1709
1544-1717
DOI:10.1370/afm.1263