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Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
Changing perceptions of the childhood obesity epidemic
W Douglas Evans1, Jeanette M Renaud, Eric Finkelstein
1RTI, Washington, DC 20036, USA. devans@rti.org
Objectives:
To examine changes in public attitudes about childhood obesity and support for prevention.
Methods:
RTI surveyed US households (N = 1047 and N = 1139) about perceived severity, causes, and support for specific obesity interventions. Logistic regressions examined differences in obesity attitudes and support for prevention.
Results:
Perceived health threat of childhood obesity increased between the 2 surveys. Support increased for interventions such as regulation of restaurant portions and fast food advertising. Logistic regressions revealed differences among sociodemographic groups.
Conclusions:
Public support for childhood obesity prevention is increasing. Policy makers can use these findings to develop appropriate prevention strategies.
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