A Volume of THE ANNALS of The American Academy of Political and Social Sciences

Overweight and Obesity in America's Children: Causes, Consequences, Solutions
Special Editor: Amy B. Jordan
A Volume of The ANNALS of The American Academy of Political and Social Science
Volume 615, January, 2008
Table of Contents

For the past several years, researchers have been examining possible causes of the rise in childhood overweight and obesity in the U.S. Now, with the problem at near-epidemic proportions, the time has come to delve more deeply into the causes of overweight children and propose some practical solutions to help the 9 million children in this country who are overweight and those who are at risk in the future.

Taking an interdisciplinary approach, this special volume of The ANNALS dissects the social problem of childhood obesity from various angles and uses empirically based, creative suggestions for overcoming and preventing unhealthy lifestyles. The authors of this special volume include health care practitioners, social scientists, media scholars, city planners, public health advocates, and policy makers who understand that this is a complex issue made up of a myriad of factors.

Ready to tackle this ubiquitous problem, the authors recognize that the contexts that shape weight status for children overlap in their influence. Specifically, the insightful articles in this special volume evaluate the following factors:

• Influence of parenting styles and behaviors
• Opportunities for exercise at school and in the built environment
• Access to healthy food choices
• The role of food marketing to children
• Media influences

Focusing on these and other determinants through an interdisciplinary lens, this compelling volume highlights policy initiatives that would provide families and educators with the necessary tools for teaching healthy lifestyles.

Researchers, practitioners, policy makers, and students in a variety of disciplines – as well as educators – will find this to be an inspiring resource to understand and take measures to address the rising problem of childhood obesity.