U.S. States' Childhood Obesity Surveillance Practices and Recommendations, 2014–2015
2016
This study examined the extent to which state governments conduct child body mass index (BMI) surveillance. Routine surveillance of child BMI is needed to monitor the childhood obesity epidemic, particularly at the state and local levels. However, child BMI surveillance systems operated by the U.S. government do not provide state or local data on children across a range of ages.
The authors conducted structured telephone surveys with state government administrators from August through December 2014 and also searched websites of state health and education agencies for information about state surveillance. Based on these interviews and internet research, the authors found that only 14 states collect child BMI surveillance data. The absence of child BMI surveillance systems in most states limits the ability of public health practitioners and policymakers to address the childhood obesity epidemic.
U.S. States' Childhood Obesity Surveillance Practices and Recommendations, 2014–2015
Source:
Blondin KJ, Giles CM, Cradock AL, Gortmaker SL, Long MW. U.S. States’ Childhood Obesity Surveillance Practices and Recommendations for Improving Them, 2014–2015. Preventing Chronic Disease 2016; 13. http://dx.doi.org/10.5888/pcd13.160060