On September 30, 2004, the Institute of Medicine (IOM), a component of the National Academy of Sciences, released a report titled "Preventing Childhood Obesity: Health in the Balance." The report culminated from a 2-year initiative involving a 19-member committee composed of experts from various healthcare disciplines. This panel was charged with developing an action plan in order to decrease the prevalence of childhood obesity.
The IOM report calls for childhood obesity prevention to become a national priority, involving many stakeholders who can come forth and play a role in the effort. The committee presented numerous broad recommendations including: coordinating federal, state, and local government leadership; encouraging the food and beverage industry to promote more healthful products; revising the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's current nutrition labeling regulations; monitoring marketing targeted toward children; introducing public relations campaigns; increasing resources for community programs; changing neighborhood designs to increase opportunities for physical activity; involving the health care industry; implementing comprehensive school programs, and promoting change inside the home. The committee recognizes the complexity of the obesity issue as well as the sacrifices necessary for fundamental change as outlined in the recommendations.
For further information visit IOM's website at http://www.iom.edu. To view IFIC Foundation materials on preventing childhood obesity including our Kidnetic.com Leader's Guide to Healthy Eating and Active Living for Kids and Families, please visit http://kidnetic.com and http://ific.org/kidnetic.
