Luncheon Policy Discussion: Policies to Reduce Obesity and its Health, Economic, and Social Consequences

Evaluation Results

The health behaviors leading to obesity reflect both the private choices individuals make and the matrix of social and economic circumstances that affect those choices in an obesogenic environment. The significant public impact of the recent rapid increase in obesity warrants a discussion about how best to develop and implement policies that will promote changes for the greater public good.

On Tuesday, May 30, 2006 we met to discuss

• The social dilemma literature and past examples of similar public health challenges and policy successes (e.g., smoking reduction, AIDS prevention, and seatbelts and bicycle helmet use) to identify elements of policies that have been effective nationwide
• Applications of this literature to a policy evaluation framework
• Knowledge gaps and opportunities for research

Sample Policy Assessment Grid

This event promoted interdisciplinary understanding, and was attended by a diverse group of public health practioners, clinicians, public health researchers, social science researchers, and policy makers.