Trust for America's Health Initiatives

Obesity

Obesity

The obesity epidemic is one of the country's most serious health problems. Adult obesity rates have doubled since 1980, from 15 to 30 percent, while childhood obesity rates have more than tripled. Rising obesity rates have significant health consequences, contributing to increased rates of more than 30 serious diseases. These conditions create a major strain on the health care system. More than one-quarter of health care costs are now related to obesity.

For the past five years, TFAH has issued an annual report F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies Are Failing in America to track obesity trends and policies. We conclude that the country is failing to address the obesity crisis with the urgency it deserves. TFAH recommends that a National Strategy to Combat Obesity be created with roles for individuals, families, communities, schools, employers, businesses, insurers, and government.

RSS Obesity RSS Feed

TFAH Reports

October 2008
Blueprint for a Healthier America
Modernizing the Federal Public Health System to Focus on Prevention and Preparedness

August 2008
F as in Fat 2008
How Obesity Policies are Failing in America

March 2008
Ten Top Priorities for Prevention

August 2007
F as in Fat 2007
How Obesity Policies are Failing in America

August 2006
F as in Fat 2006
How Obesity Policies are Failing in America

More reports


Latest News

December 30, 2008
'Scale Back' still trying to tip scale
State remains 1 of U.S.'s fattest; new contest set Jan. 8

December 19, 2008
Overeaters not powerless in face of their genes

November 12, 2008
Kearse spreads healthy message

November 12, 2008
Southern states meet in summit to fight obesity

November 5, 2008
We must fight diabetes, obesity

More public health news


More Headlines from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

January 5, 2009
Study Links Proximity to Fast Food Restaurants to Obesity

January 5, 2009
Grocery Store Chains Launch Healthy Product Labeling System

January 2, 2009
Study Suggests Physicians Often Fail to Diagnose Overweight, Obese Children

Policy Information

September 2008
Presentation of Jeff Levi, PhD, Executive Director, Trust for America's Health at Congressional Briefing about F as in Fat, 2008

July 2008
Letter in Support of the Federal Obesity Prevention Act

More policy information


Press Releases

November 12, 2008
Trust for America’s Health Welcomes Inclusion of Wellness and Prevention Measures in Baucus Health Plan

October 21, 2008
Trust for America's Health Releases Blueprint for Modernizing Public Health for the Presidential Transition and Next Congress

October 16, 2008
Advisory: Trust for America's Health Releases Transition Document: Blueprint for a Healthier America
Includes Detailed Plan to Modernize America's Public Health System

August 19, 2008
New Report: Adult Obesity Rates Rise in 37 States, Obesity Rates Now Exceed 25% in More Than Half of States

July 16, 2008
Trust for America's Health Director Testifies before Congress on Child Obesity Epidemic
Highlights Economic Security Risks of Child Obesity Crisis

More press releases


Resources

Selected items from TFAH's Resource Library:

Alliance for a Healthier Generation
A partnership of the American Heart Association and the Clinton Foundation, focused on reducing childhood obesity.

American Diabetes Association
The American Diabetes Association is fighting against the deadly consequences of diabetes and fighting for those affected by diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities; and provides information.

American Obesity Society
The Obesity Society is one of the leading scientific societies dedicated to the study of obesity. Since its foundation in 1982, The Obesity Society has been committed to encouraging research on the causes and treatment of obesity, and to keeping the medical community and public informed of new advances.

Campaign to End Obesity
Through engagement with and education of policymakers, public awareness initiatives and collaborative programs between and among leading stakeholders, CEO will work to identify and facilitate the changes needed to battle obesity, perhaps the leading public health emergency facing our nation today.

CDC's Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity
CDC's Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity (DNPAO) takes a public health approach to address the role of nutrition and physical activity in improving the public's health and preventing and controlling chronic diseases. The scope of DNPAO activities includes epidemiological and behavioral research, surveillance, training and education, intervention development, health promotion and leadership, policy and environmental change, communication and social marketing, and partnership development.

More resources