Policies to Support Obesity Prevention for Children: A Focus on of Early Childhood Policies
Pediatric Clinics of North America
Abstract
Policies at many levels may help to shape environments that promote healthy weight and prevent obesity. We present policies to support obesity prevention for young children. We highlight policy and environmental systems change examples in the areas of promoting breastfeeding and providing healthy affordable food and information about food in community and child care settings and promoting physical activity in child care and the community. We address the role of the health care system and health care professionals to shape and advocate for policy and environmental systems change and provide resources for pediatric health care professionals to engage in community-based advocacy.