Full Description
For the past several years, researchers have been examining possible causes of the rise in of childhood overweight and obesity in the U.S. Now at near-epidemic proportions, the time has come to really delve into the causes of overweight children and propose some practical solutions to help the 9 million children in this country who are overweight.
Taking an interdisciplinary approach, this special issue of The ANNALS inspects the social problem of childhood obesity from various angles and uses empirically based, creative suggestions for overcoming and preventing unhealthy lifestyles. The authors of this special issue include health care practitioners, social scientists, philanthropists, advocates, and policy makers who understand that this is a complex issue made up of a myriad of factors.
Ready to tackle this ubiquitous problem, the authors recognize that the contexts that shape weight status for children overlap in their influence. Specifically, the insightful articles in this special issue evaluate the following factors:
· Influence of parents
· Opportunities for exercise
· Access to healthy food choices
· Media influences
Focusing on these and other determinants through an interdisciplinary lens, this compelling issue highlights policy initiatives that would provide families and educators with the necessary tools for teaching healthy lifestyles.
Researchers, practitioners, policy makers, and students in a variety of disciplines - as well as educators - will find this to be an inspiring resource to understand and take measures against the rising problem of childhood obesity.
Contents
Preface - Amy B. Jordan
Section One: Home, School, and Community
Childhood Overweight and the Relationship between Parent Behaviors, Parenting Style, and Family Functioning - Kyung Rhee
Children's Healthy Weight and the School Environment - Laura C. Leviton
Childhood Overweight and the Built Environment: Making Technology Part of the Solution Rather Than Part of the Problem - Amy Hillier
Childhood Obesity Prevention: Successful Community-Based Efforts - Laure DeMattia and Shannon Lee Denney
Section Two: Media and Culture
The Effects of Food Marketing on Children's Preferences: Testing the Moderating Roles of Age and Gender - Ariel Chernin
Children, Television Viewing, and Weight Status: Summary and Recommendations from an Expert Panel Meeting - Amy B. Jordan and Thomas N. Robinson
Calories for Sale: Food Marketing to Children in the Twenty-First Century - Susan Linn and Courtney L. Novosat
Section Three: Public Policy Efforts
First Amendment Implications of Restricting Food and Beverage Marketing in Schools - Samantha K. Graff
Assessing the Feasibility and Impact of Federal Childhood Obesity Policies - Victoria L. Brescoll, Rogan Kersh, and Kelly D. Brownell
Generation O: Addressing Childhood Overweight before It's Too Late - Laura M. Segal and Emily A. Gadola
Section Four: Comments
Mobilizing to Defeat the Childhood Obesity Epidemic - Tom Harkin
Confronting Childhood Obesity - Sam Brownback
What Can We Do to Control Childhood Obesity? - William H. Dietz and Thomas N. Robinson
Section Five: Quick Read Synopsis
Overweight and Obesity in America's Children: Causes, Consequences, Solutions
