Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #117153

Matt Longjohn, MD, MPH, Consortium to Lower Obesity in Chicago Children, 2300 Children's Plaza, Box #157, Chicago, IL 60614, 312.573.7760, mlongjohn@childrensmemorial.org

Background: Childhood obesity prevention must include advocacy to address factors in the agriculture, commerce, education, health, transportation and recreation systems. The Illinois Childhood Obesity Prevention Agenda (Consensus Agenda) demonstrates an approach to addressing these concurrently.

Methods: The Consortium to Lower Obesity in Chicago Children (CLOCC; www.clocc.net) applies the ecological model in a city wide effort to protect Chicago children from the obesity epidemic. In 2004 CLOCC's network successfully worked for a law that mandates surveillance of weight/height in school. Building on this success, CLOCC developed a process to create a “Consensus Agenda” for the 2005 legislative session.

Results: A planning committee included organizations with disparate interests. Over 75 advocates with relevant experience and expertise participated in an Advocates' Summit to identify areas of potential consensus. Policy concepts were refined through sector-specific working groups. Legal language was drafted consistent with existing obesity prevention evidence and the political interests of all involved. A Policymakers' Summit briefed legislators, advocates, and the public on the final elements of the Consensus Agenda. Five initiatives are quickly making their way through the Illinois General Assembly, including: the creation of a food systems policy council to be housed in the IL Department of Commerce, mandating nutritional and activity standards in all State administered early childhood programs, reform of the physical education waiver process, and an appropriations package.

Discussion: CLOCC's infrastructure lends itself to facilitating the advancement of comprehensive policy approaches to childhood obesity.

Learning Objectives:

• Assess the applicability of this model to other settings
• Evaluate research and policy implications of this work

Keywords: Children and Adolescents, Community Collaboration

Related Web page: www.clocc.net

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation