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Strategic Plan for the Prevention and Control of Overweight and Obesity in New England
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Plan for the Prevention and Control of Overweight and Obesity in New England (1MG)
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In the last several years the rapid increase in overweight and obesity has received
heightened attention as a threat to the health and well-being of our population, and many
individuals and organizations in our region are now taking steps to combat the epidemic.
However, NECON recognized that there is great potential for synergy with enhanced
communication and coordination among various groups within states and among the New
England states. For example, carefully crafted informational messages that are conveyed
by health care providers, put into practice by schools and worksites, and disseminated by
the general media could be strongly reinforcing. Further, there is much efficiency to be
gained by sharing experience and material among those working toward the same end
within the New England region. Finally, a coordinated focus on obesity and weight
control will be invaluable to generate the resources and involvement of our whole
citizenry, which will be necessary to control the epidemic. This report is offered as an
initial step in this effort.
For the past year, eight subgroups have been working in tandem to develop a
strategic plan to control and prevent overweight and obesity. Discussions in each
subgroup have cut across many disciplines ranging from individual behavioral
psychology to land-use planning and mass media communications.
Any in-depth study of the obesity epidemic inevitably leads individuals of
disparate perspectives to the same conclusion: that the causes of overweight are complex,
ranging from individual behavior to societal and environmental influences. Reversing the
epidemic will, therefore, require a multi-faceted, well-orchestrated campaign with
complementary measures and methods drawn from a variety of disciplines and involving
various age groups, socio-economic levels, urban, suburban and rural communities,
educational institutions and public and private sectors.
To accomplish our goal of “selling” good nutrition and active lifestyles to the
majority of New Englanders, our strategic plan recommends three kinds of actions:
(1) behavioral change (for individuals and “change agents”),
(2) environmental
modifications (in social and built environments) and
(3) additional research (in medical
and social sciences and surveillance).
The report recommends modeling and counseling by health care professionals,
teachers, community leaders and elected representatives, along with direct and mass
media communication about the importance of weight control and how to achieve and
maintain a healthy weight. It recommends changes in the physical, educational, social
and legal environments to provide individuals with increased access to healthful foods
and opportunities for physical activity. Finally, the report recommends increased
understanding of metabolic, psychological and social processes associated with
successful weight control through funding of additional research and pilot projects.
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