Next Generation Approaches to Obesity Prevention: Critical Policies & Practices

The purpose of this session is to explain why “next generation” - scalable, multi-partner, multi-level - programs are a critical approach to the obesity epidemic. The presentation will begin with a review of current and past intervention models used to address the obesity epidemic, including: Individual-level and family-level behavioral interventions, school-based interventions, community-based interventions, and policy and environmental changes. The key features, key participants, and key findings associated with each of these models will be reviewed along with its strengths and limitations. The multi-factorial causes of the epidemic and the implications for the public and private sectors will also be systematically reviewed. The examination of these models, as well as the causes and implications of the epidemic, reveals why scalable, multi-level, multi-partner interventions are a critical future approach to obesity. Key practices associated with these next generation programs will be defined.

Past approaches have not been sufficient to overcome the complex roots and impacts of the obesity epidemic. Next generation obesity prevention programs have tremendous potential for success. However, state-level policy changes are needed to support these programs. The resources and expertise of the private sector must also be better leveraged to maximize the reach and success of these programs. Opportunities to engage the private sector and state-level policy changes needed to maximize the reach and success of obesity prevention programs will be identified and discussed.