An estimated 12.5 million American children and teens are obese. Over time, the diseases
and disabilities associated with obesity may undermine this population’s health and result
in substantial social and economic costs.
Policies that address children’s nutrition and physical activity are an important tool in
reversing the obesity epidemic. More states are developing such legislation, but little is
known about the factors that influence passage or how the resultant policies relate to
childhood obesity rates. Having that knowledge could help public health advocates target
policy interventions more effectively.