First Focus

Childhood obesity is a growing national problem. Over the past four decades, obesity rates have skyrocketed among children of all ages, quadrupling for children ages 6–11. Today, one-third of American children and teens are either obese or overweight. To halt this alarming trend, First Focus supports policies that improve daily physical activity and increase awareness of health risks and prevention of obesity. Improvements to nutritional standards for foods and beverages served in schools are critical, and we must increase access to routine care that addresses childhood obesity in its early stages. First Focus also places a priority on creating new and sharing existing obesity-related research, including studies on prevention and programs that work.