Obesity Prevention, Treatment & Education
Taking action together to reduce obesity and overweight and the medical conditions associated with these conditions is essential for securing Maine's health and economic future. The Maine Obesity Advisory Council (MOAC) was convened in October 2017 by the Maine Center for Disease Control & Prevention (Maine CDC) and Let's Go!, a program of The Barbara Bush Children's Hospital at Maine Medical Center. MOAC has developed recommendations to guide local, district, and statewide programs, policies, and partnerships in reducing obesity and the medical conditions associated with obesity, that result in poor health, higher medical costs, and negative impacts on quality of life in Maine. The Maine AAP has been an active contributor to the work of the MOAC.
Measures for Children at High Risk for Obesity. The new resource includes a decision tree that walks researchers and practitioners through a series of questions regarding whether to develop, adapt, or apply an instrument for obesity measures in high-risk populations. The decision tree also provides five real-world case scenarios that describe the rationale for choosing one of the three measurement approaches.
USDA site focused on healthy eating and active living
Healthy People (2020 and 2030) Outlines the US Department of Health future priorities
Childhood Obesity: A Complex Disease - HealthyChildren.org
AAP has published new guidelines on evaluating and treating children and teenagers with obesity, a chronic disease that requires a comprehensive approach, starting with and including intensive health behavior and lifestyle treatment. Obesity is a chronic disease because it can affect every part of the body. Childhood obesity often lasts into adulthood if it is not treated. It can result in other diseases such as type 2 diabetes, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, sleep apnea and orthopedic (bone and joint) problems. The AAP clinical report is here, and more guidance for parents is offered here.
5-2-1-0 Let's Go!
Let’s Go! is a nationally recognized childhood obesity prevention program implemented throughout Maine and in a few communities in neighboring states. We partner with schools, child care and out-of-school programs, healthcare practices and community organizations to change environments where children and families live, learn work and play.