What Motivates Stakeholder Groups to Focus on Childhood Obesity Prevention Policies?

Abstract

Objective: Legislators are increasingly interested in preventing childhood obesity, and public policy offers one option to address this epidemic. Broad support is critical to advancing policies on legislators' agendas, but little is known about what influences relevant organizations to focus on childhood obesity prevention policies. We explored factors that encourage and hinder policy-makers, non-governmental organizations, and academics from focusing on childhood obesity prevention policies. Methods:From September 2014-April 2015, we conducted semi-structured interviews with individuals from the following groups: policy-makers (n = 12), nongovernmental organizations (n = 24), and academics (n = 7). Interviews were conducted with individuals in 19 U.S. states and Washington, DC about facilitators and impediments to their organizations' focus on childhood obesity prevention policies. Results:Identified facilitators included collaborations and partnerships; funding for programs related to obesity prevention; and available data and related research. An additional facilitator noted by representatives of NGOs was increased awareness of childhood obesity. Impediments included lack of financial resources; influence of the food and beverage industries; and institutional barriers, such as limitations on advocacy for NGOs. Conclusion:Stakeholder and researcher engagement brings important issues to policy-makers' attention and raises the profile of proposed legislation. For organizations that promote childhood obesity prevention policies -or are interested in becoming involved in this work -our findings highlight key factors to consider in strategic planning and related processes.Keywords: Childhood obesity; Public health practice; Health policy; Government IntroductionApproximately 17% of U.S. children are obese, which elevates their lifetime risk for numerous chronic health conditions [1][2][3]. Experts have identified various, synergistic approaches to mitigate childhood obesity, such as altering school food environments, conducting outreach and education to children and families, and improving communities' green spaces [4][5][6]. An additional, and related, option involves the use of public policy, such as legislation or regulation. At all levels of government, policy-makers have demonstrated a growing interest in childhood obesity prevention. For example, the number of childhood obesity prevention bills introduced and passed into law by state-level policy-makers has notably increased during the last decade [7][8][9].Broad support is key for childhood obesity prevention policies to advance on legislators' agendas [10]. Studies have confirmed that certain groups -such as policy-makers, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and academicsinfluence legislators by sharing research and anecdotes, giving testimony, and providing a window into constituents' views [11][12][13][14]. This type of activity also gives legislators a sense of the breadth of support for a given piece of proposed legislation [15]. Thus, to prom...

<p>Translating knowledge into action to prevent pediatric and adolescent diabesity: a meeting report</p>

“…Decision-makers have unique insights into the logistics and cost of implementing interventions at local, regional, and national levels. Policymakers also may have a good understanding of engaging other relevant stakeholders to create public health policies that support prevention and intervention efforts 47–49. Indeed, stakeholder engagement has been shown to increase the interest of policymakers in implementing system-wide changes 49…”