On July 22, TEDMED is hosting an online discussion about the progress and challenges of our nation’s ongoing struggle with childhood obesity. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the American Heart Association, Academy Health, the University of California-San Francisco, and the City of Philadelphia will be part of the discussion.
Presenters include:
- Richard Besser (Moderator), Chief Health and Medical Editor for ABC News
- Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, President and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
- Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association
- Elissa Epel, Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California-San Francisco
- Lisa Simpson, President and CEO of Academy Health
- Donald Schwarz, Commissioner and Deputy Mayor for Health and Opportunity for the City of Philadelphia
The national childhood obesity rate has leveled off. Cities and states that have been taking on this issue comprehensively are starting to see their childhood obesity rates drop. A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study published in February showed that national rates may be declining among our nation’s youngest children.
This is good news, but challenges remain. Rates are still far too high overall, and racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities persist.
What needs to happen to show bigger results, faster? How do we make sure all children can grow up at a healthy weight? What are some of the underlying environmental and societal causes that must be addressed? What could corporate, community and policy leaders do to further address this critical public health issue?
RSVP for the Hangout and view more information on this important conversation. TEDMED will be taking audience questions via #GreatChallenges and will answer as many as possible on air.