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Advancing the public health workforce to achieve organizational excellence
Obesity Classified as a Disease: Improve Education with TRAIN

Related Categories: Learning Resource Center (LRC), TRAIN, Workforce Development

Topic: TRAIN, Workforce Development

Date: 7/24/2013

​On June 18, 2013, the American Medical Association voted to classify obesity as a disease.1 With more than 35% of U.S. adults and 17% of children and adolescents aged 2—19 years considered obese, this decision will help elevate the importance of prevention interventions.2,3 Furthermore, the formal classification of obesity as a disease could increase funding for obesity research, improve physician and patient communication, and promote nutrition education in medical school.4 Recognizing obesity as a disease is an important step in addressing this complex health issue.

 

Education and training opportunities are essential in developing obesity interventions. TRAIN, the nation’s premier learning management network for public health professionals and volunteers, offers local, state, and national trainings that can be used in developing obesity prevention and education initiatives. Trainings available that address obesity include:

Public health professionals and volunteers can access these and other related courses by creating a free TRAIN account.
 
The Public Health Foundation (PHF) offers resources through the PHF Online Store that can assist public health professionals in educating their constituents about obesity prevention. Titles include:
PHF has also partnered with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to increase awareness, adoption, and use of the evidence-based findings and recommendations outlined in The Guide to Community Preventive Services (The Community Guide), a free online resource that covers 22 topic areas, including Obesity Prevention and Control. Access systematic reviews of interventions related to obesity from The Community Guide, such as Provider-Oriented Interventions and Interventions in Community Settings.
 
Release: CDC Vital Signs Report - Progress on Childhood Obesity (8/6/13)
Obesity among low-income preschoolers declines in many states
After decades of rising rates, obesity among low-income preschoolers declined slightly in 19 states and U.S. territories from 2008 through 2011, according to the latest Vital Signs report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
 
 
1.  CNN Health. Physicians group labels obesity a disease. http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/19/health/ama-obesity-disease-change. Accessed July 10, 2013.
 
2.  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Adult obesity facts. http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html. Accessed July 10, 2013.
 
3.  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Childhood obesity data and statistics. http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/childhood.html. Accessed July 10, 2013.
 

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Obesity Classified as a Disease: Improve Education with TRAIN