Overview of the Nutrition and Obesity Policy Research & Evaluation Network: Transdisciplinary nutrition- and obesity-related policy research and evaluation to improve community health

Background: The Nutrition and Obesity Policy Research & Evaluation Network (NOPREN) was created in 2009 by CDC's Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity to foster understanding of the effectiveness of policies to prevent and reduce obesity through improving access to affordable, healthier foods and beverages in community and school settings. Methods: The network consists of a coordinating center, 5 funded Prevention Research Centers (PRC), 9 affiliate PRCs, and CDC staff. The network leads a water access working group; members also work collaboratively with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Healthy Eating Research food access, corner stores, and menu labeling working groups. All Centers engage community partners and local and/or state health practitioners. Results: We will review the network's mission, which is to conduct transdisciplinary practice-based policy research and evaluation with the goal of documenting and disseminating the effectiveness of these approaches to improving health. We will define the continuum of policy identification, development, and implementation as well as relevant policies, which include legislation, executive orders, ordinances, regulations, and organizational policies. Results from the first phases of the network's studies, including sugar sweetened beverage and water access changes, menu labeling, sustainable local food system development, and initiatives to improve healthy food access in underserved communities will be presented. Conclusions/Discussion: Evaluation of health outcomes and consequences of policies, and case studies to improve policy development and implementation, will be disseminated.

Disclaimer: Findings and views in this presentation are those solely of the authors and do not represent the official views of CDC.