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.
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.
Essential Health Benefits Package Recommendations
The STOP Obesity Alliance's Essential Benefits Task Force developed consensus recommendations to help inform the Secretary and the IOM regarding treatments for obesity and related co-morbidities that should be considered essential health benefits and covered by all non-grandfathered qualified health plans. At the root of these recommendations is the belief that obesity and weight-related interventions should not be treated differently than any other health condition.
To view the full set of recommendations, click here.
Obesity GPS
The Strategies to Overcome and Prevent (STOP) Obesity Alliance released the first navigation tool designed to guide public- and private-sector decision makers as they work to reduce obesity, overweight, and weight-related health risks in the United States. The new Obesity GPS (Guide for Policy and Program Solutions) will help these leaders develop, analyze and evaluate the most common types of proposals: research initiatives, specific health interventions, and policies that may impact health care and health care professionals.
Pounds & Policy: Building a Healthier Nation with Effective Communication and Legislation
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 evidence-based principles when discussing and developing weight-related health policies.
STOP Obesity Alliance's Policy Recommendations
Focus on five key areas where both the private and public sectors can impact the nation's ongoing struggle: redefining success, encouraging invitation and best practices, addressing and reducing stigma and broadening the research agenda.