Health and nutrition experts will gather in Washington on Jan. 7 to discuss the state of efforts to reduce the rate of childhood obesity and what role the nation's healthcare system should play.
The discussion, organized by the Institute of Medicine, will spotlight initiatives showing promise in reversing child obesity rates that have rising for nearly 30 years.
“It's really about thinking more about some of the social determinants of health,” said Dr. Don Bradley, chief medical officer for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, who is scheduled to talk about approaches some providers and insurers have taken to address obesity.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, childhood obesity has more than doubled in the past 30 years, with more than one-third of children and adolescents considered overweight or obese. Experts say contributing factors in low-income communities include a dearth of safe areas for physical activity and a lack of access to fresh fruits and vegetables.
Bradley said team-based collaborations between medical and community groups are needed to provide safe environments for exercise and sports, improve nutrition education and offer greater access to healthy food options.
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