Public Health Strategies for Obesity Treatment and Prevention

OBJECTIVE: To review research on public health interventions for obesity. METHODS: Describe recent changes in obesity prevalence in the United States and 5 research studies from the University of Minnesota directed at the problem. RESULTS: The prevalence of obesity has increased dramatically over the last 15 years. CONCLUSIONS: Recent increases in obesity in the United States have been of great concern for public health. Health education approaches to addressing the problem have not been effective. It is suggested that alternative approaches, such as changing the price structure of foods, may be necessary if the problem is to be successfully addressed.