On December 13, 2001, U.S. Surgeon General David Satcher, and Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Tommy Thompson, brought the issue of overweight and obesity into the forefront of public health issues facing the United States. During a press conference accompanied by the release of
The Surgeon General’s Call To Action To Prevent and Decrease Overweight and Obesity 2001, Satcher appealed for a cooperative effort from individuals, families, communities, schools, work sites, organizations, and the media to help reduce and prevent overweight and obesity.
Reports from the U.S. Surgeon General have historically played important roles in focusing attention on health problems and influencing social change. This report will likely be used to advocate for support of a variety of activities on the national, state, and local levels to begin addressing overweight and obesity, particularly for children.
The Surgeon General’s report emphasized the magnitude of the issue by citing statistical data indicating the rising trend in obesity and overweight in the United States and identified the associated health risks and economic impact. Satcher acknowledged the lack of clear understanding of how to effectively prevent and reduce obesity and overweight; this, he noted, demands a national public health response.
“Overweight and obesity are among the most pressing new health challenges we face today,” HHS Secretary Thompson said. “By confronting these conditions, we have tremendous opportunities to prevent the unnecessary disease and disability they portend for our future.”
Perhaps of greatest interest was a summary of key actions drawn from the discussion at the Surgeon General’s Listening Session. These actions may be useful in constructing methods and programs to tackle the issue and were organized into five key settings: families and communities, schools, health care, media and communications, and work sites. Ideas in the areas of communication, action, research, and evaluation were offered for each setting with the hope that these ideas will provide a starting point for groups and individuals to address the epidemic of overweight and obesity.
The Surgeon General’s report, including the list of key actions, can be viewed in its entirety at http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/topics/obesity.
