Weighing In is a STOP Obesity Alliance Blog

Is the Obesity Epidemic Leveling Off? Don’t be too Sure.

Recently, CDC epidemiologists published an article in the Journal of the American Medical Association to the effect that there was not a significant change over the past 12 years in the nation’s obesity rate of 35.5% for adult men and 35.8% for adult women.

Read More

STOP Obesity Alliance January E-Newsletter

Dear Reader,

Starting a new year gives us another chance to plan, look ahead and think optimistically about what the future holds for obesity in America. Reflecting on changes in 2011 and what’s in store for 2012, we see areas of great progress, but also areas where that progress is met with great challenges.

Click here to read more.

A Legislative Low-Down on Obesity and the States

Webinar Examined State Trends & Upcoming Issues on Obesity & Related Chronic Diseases

The STOP Obesity Alliance hosted a webinar on Tuesday, December 6, in which experts discussed state legislative activities related to obesity and weight-related chronic disease that could signal broader trends in the future.  Topics included obesity surveillance and tracking efforts, food and beverage taxes, and efforts to restrict state employee benefits plan coverage. Click here to view the webinar.

Task Force on Women
NOW AVAILABLE: Pounds & Policy: Building a Healthier Nation with Effective Communication and Legislation

New Recommendations from the STOP Obesity Alliance and National Eating Disorders Association

The STOP Obesity Alliance, in conjunction with the National Eating Disorders Association, developed new weight and health discussion guidelines for policymakers. The recommendations call for policymakers to responsibly address weight and health by adhering to the following evidence-based principles when discussing and developing weight-related health policies:

  • Weight is about health, not appearance.
  • Weight status does not necessarily reflect health status.
  • It takes more than willpower to maintain a healthy weight–a strong support system is necessary.
  • Body size and shape are influenced by inherited and environmental factors.
  • BMI is one of many factors in determining a person's weight status as it relates to health.
  • Incremental and sustained weight loss advised by a doctor is safe and healthy–whereas crash diets are dangerous and can contribute to negative health outcomes.

The STOP Obesity Alliance Task Force on Women strongly encourages the public to take action in helping to gain their acceptance among policymakers.

To view the full set of recommendations, click here.

STOP Obesity Alliance Task Force on Women Statement of Agreement

The STOP Obesity Alliance Task Force on Women — a group of nearly 20 health advocacy organizations — has identified four areas that have a significant impact on weight and obesity in women:

  • The physiological, psychological, cultural and socioeconomic factors of obesity that disproportionately affect women as well as the unique impact of overweight and obesity in women at various points in their lives, including but not limited to puberty, pregnancy and menopause.
  • Pervasive racial and ethnic disparities in obesity prevalence and health outcomes among minority women, particularly African-American, Hispanic and Native American women.
  • Systemic, gender-based biases portrayed in the media and encountered in educational, workplace, social and health care environments, including a focus on redefining and maintaining healthy weight goals based on health rather than societal norms or unrealistic body image ideals.
  • Expectations for women as caretakers and the role they play in influencing and shaping the health behaviors and decisions of their families, especially their children.

Click here to read the full statement.

The Task Force on Women is made up of the following organizations: