Turning Around the Epidemic

The fact that the obesity epidemic didn’t flash over countries like a wildfire-rather it smoldered and then
slowly grew year after year-has made it even more difficult to combat, since its causes have become so
intertwined into the social, environmental, and governmental fabric.

Yet efforts to combat obesity-primarily through prevention-are beginning to gain traction, if by a step at
a time. To realize real strides, though, positive change must come to all parts of society: from
governments and schools, businesses and non-profit organization, neighborhoods and communities,
individuals and families. We need to change policies and create an environment where the default
option is the healthy choice.

Evidence shows that obesity prevention policy and environmental change efforts should focus on
facilitating a handful of key behaviors:

This section of the website summarizes promising strategies for obesity prevention, based on a review of
expert guidance from major governmental, professional, and public health advocacy organizations.
Inside, you will find high-level recommendations for changes in key settings-families, early childcare,
schools, worksites, healthcare organizations-and for broad, community-wide changes in the food and
activity environments that can help make healthy choices easier choices, for all. Each page also includes
links to toolkits, guidelines, and other useful resources for putting these obesity prevention strategies
into practice. Over time, we will add new obesity prevention strategies, recommendations, and
resources as more evidence emerges. Keep in mind that these obesity prevention recommendations are
based primarily on a review of U.S. expert guidance, unless otherwise indicated; in other countries,
different policy approaches may be needed to achieve improvements in food and physical activity
environments.Choosing healthier foods (whole grains, fruits and vegetables, healthy fats and protein
sources) and beverages

Limiting unhealthy foods (refined grains and sweets, potatoes, red meat, processed meat) and beverages
(sugary drinks)

Increasing physical activity

Limiting television time, screen time, and other “sit time”

Improving sleep

Reducing stress