ChildObesity180: An innovative, multi-sector, evidence-based approach to reversing the trend in childhood obesity

ChildObesity180 fosters cross-sector collaboration through a portfolio of high-impact initiatives aimed at reversing the trend of childhood obesity within one generation's time. Convened in 2009, ChildObesity180 is led by national leaders from the public, nonprofit, academic, and private sectors, working together to leverage influence and drive change. ChildObesity180 builds on existing evidence-based approaches, gathers new data, and serves as a coordinating, convening, and catalyzing force (a “gearbox”) to amplify impact and reach tens of millions of children nationwide. ChildObesity180 selected four priority areas: children's access to healthier foods, physical activity, marketing to children, and children eating out in restaurants. The first initiatives designed to affect change in these areas were recently launched. Healthy Kids Out of School is partnering with leaders of nine national organizations to implement principles for improving nutrition and physical activity during out-of-school time. A web-based platform is being developed to connect organizations with local and national resources necessary to implement these principles. Given the reach of the organizations represented, millions of children will be impacted. The Active Schools Acceleration Project will identify quality, innovative school-time physical activity programs around the country, and pair these with funding and expertise necessary for scale-up, to reach a broader base of students. The first stage involves a nationwide competition for innovative ways in which physical activity has been integrated into schools. Additional initiatives are in development. The innovative approach of ChildObesity180 aims to reverse the trend of childhood obesity and characterizes a promising model for addressing public health issues.