Obesity Prevention

The rising global epidemic of obesity and its negative impact on chronic disease and economic growth require solutions at the individual, community, and national levels. Our understanding of food systems and related policies, combined with expertise in behavioral science, economics, and public health, allows us to approach the problem of obesity from multiple angles.

We support programs around the world that promote healthy diets and levels of physical activity. We conduct studies of environmental and behavioral interventions that impact obesity among targeted populations—including children, seniors, low-income households, and members of the military. We have also used our knowledge of geospatial science to map the incidence of obesity throughout the United States to inform policy development.

Given the increasing prevalence of obesity worldwide, including in developing countries, our efforts are increasingly focusing on the dual burden of undernutrition and obesity. We support decision-making that leads to a healthier population and reduces costs to communities, governments, and the health care sector.