Evidence and Next Steps for Preventing and Addressing Obesity

The prevalence, health consequences, and cost of obesity in the United States are well-documented. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that more than one-third of U.S. adults are obese and approximately 17 percent of U.S. children are obese—triple the amount since 1980. Many initiatives are currently underway to address this crisis. Many diverse initiatives are currently underway to address this crisis, but the complicated, multi-factorial etiology of obesity requires a comprehensive approach to prevention that coordinates health care and public health efforts with broader community and public strategies. To discuss the current state of evidence for both obesity prevention and obesity reduction strategies and its implications for policy initiatives moving forward, the Engelberg Center for Health Care Reform at Brookings hosted today an event on “Evidence and Next Steps for Preventing and Addressing Obesity.”

Joining in the discussion was Dr. Thomas Frieden, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director, along with academic researchers, senior thought leaders, and policymakers who provided further discussion on actionable next steps and replicable strategies to effectively prevent and address obesity in communities across the United States.