A National Survey of Obesity Prevention Practices in Head Start

By: Whitaker RC, Gooze RA, Hughes CC and Finkelstein DM
In: Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, 163(12), pp.1144-1150
Publisher: Amercan Medical Association
Published: Dec 07, 2009

This nationwide study investigated obesity prevention practices at Head Start programs. The authors administered a targeted survey to Head Start program directors between February and April 2008. The survey assessed whether the programs had in place specific practices related to healthy eating and physical activity, (e.g., did the program serve fresh fruit; did play areas have large open areas). The authors assigned scores to each program that measured the prevalence of healthy eating and physical activity practices.

NICHQ State Fact Sheets Provide Data on Childhood Obesity

The National Initiative for Children’s Healthcare Quality announced the release of the 2009 State Fact Sheets, in partnership with the Cincinnati Children's Child Policy Research Center (CPRC) and the Child and Adolescent Health Measurement Initiative. The State Fact Sheets provide the most recent national and state-based data regarding childhood overweight and obesity prevalence. These sheets offer information specific to states on a variety of policy issues impacting (and being impacted by) childhood obesity.

To access the State Fact Sheets, please register with the NICHQ’s Childhood Obesity Action Network here. You can also find the fact sheets at www.childhealthdata.org.