October 29, 2004
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) Committee on the Prevention of Obesity in Children and Youth was asked to investigate the epidemic of childhood obesity and develop a prevention plan. The results of this investigation and recommendations were published on September 30, 2004 in the report entitled Preventing Childhood Obesity: Health in the Balance.
This youth obesity report describes a variety of factors contributing this increasing health issue, as well as provides information on the costs to society and individuals. The committee report describes a plan of action with recommended tasks assigned to a wide range of stakeholders. The proposed plan focuses on eating a healthy diet and participating in regular physical activity. The stakeholders include: community organizations, educational systems, families, government (federal, state and local), health care providers, industry and the media.
The IOM website includes a summary of the report, which provides an overview of the extent of the childhood obesity problem and a general outline of recommendations for each stakeholder group. This site also offers an opportunity to purchase a copy of this publication.
Click here for more details on the IOM report
Source: Institute of Medicine (October 2004)
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