Childhood Obesity Prevention

Childhood obesity prevention encourages the development of healthy eating and exercise habits in children ages 2 to 19 that will keep them from becoming overweight or obese. Addressing this issue requires holistic community initiatives that include policy and environmental changes, as well as programs that educate individuals about healthy behaviors. The reports below focus on direct service educational programs, which enable healthy habits to be developed and sustained. 

1. Explore the social issue

Read our social issue report on childhood obesity prevention which includes: an overview of the social issue, an investment recommendation, information on the return on investment, and ways to take further action.

Click here to read the full social issue report

2. Learn about your state

The state reports define the context of how childhood obesity prevention is being addressed in Massachusetts and New York.

Massachusetts  /  New York

3. Select an organization

The two guides to giving provide information needed to evaluate a nutrition or physical activity based organization working to prevent childhood obesity in five steps.

Nutrition  /  Physical Activity

4. Explore related social issues

Learn about social issues related to childhood obesity prevention that we have written about in other reports.

• School Readiness