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Policies to Support Obesity Prevention for Children: A Focus on of Early Childhood Policies
December 2011
Marianne E. McPherson, Charles J Homer
Summary
The article highlights a variety of policy strategies to promote environments that support access to healthy food and physical activity. The roles of built and social environments are examined. Furthermore, regulatory agencies are encouraged to mandate yearly check-ups for children to monitor nutrition and BMI levels. Additionally, the success of state programs that offer healthy food subsidies are explored.
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Policy Implications
If not combated early, the national obesity epidemic will strain our health care systems and shorten life spans. Special attention given to the nutritional and lifestyle development of children will facilitate change. A healthier population is generally less costly. Policy strategies that focus on obesity prevention will avoid the burden of high treatment costs.