We have a searchable

electronic database of

DoD & civilian programs

for the prevention and

treatment of obesity.

The Resource Center for the

Prevention of Military Child

Obesity is housed within the

interactive web platform of the

Clearinghouse for Military

Family Readiness.

Resource Center for the Prevention of Military Child Obesity J. DiNallo, D. Perkins, C. Bartok, D. Gungor, S. Kyler, & K. Aronson

Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness, Pennsylvania State University

Between 1976-1980 and 2007-2008, the prevalence of

obesity among children and adolescents increased two-fold

in children ages 2- to 5-year olds, and more than tripled in

youth and adolescents ages 6- to 19-year old. Importantly,

military children are not immune to the obesity epidemic.

The Department of Defense (DoD) Childhood Obesity

working group was established to develop a strategic

action plan to support the President’s goal of eradicating

childhood obesity in a generation.

The Resource Center for the Prevention of Military Child

Obesity was tasked with:

• Reviewing existing obesity prevention and intervention

programs;

• Evaluating the evidence base behind these programs;

and

• Infusing empirical evidence into the military’s efforts to

prevent childhood obesity.

The Problem

Addressing the Problem

Actions We’re Taking

National Center for Health Statistics. (2010). [Graph illustration Trends in obesity among children and adolescents: United States, 1963-2008].

Prevalence of Obesity Among Children and Adolescents: United States, Trends 1963-1965 Through 2007-2008. Retrieved from

http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hestat/obesity_child_07_08/obesity_child_07_08.htm

Trends in obesity among children & adolescents:

United States, 1963-2008

The evidence base for each program in the database has been assessed using the Clearinghouse’s Continuum of

Evidence, and we have developed a fact sheet for each program presenting the program’s placement and other pertinent

program information.

Professionals working with military families can use the fact sheets to learn

about obesity prevention or treatment programs that meet their needs, and we

are available to provide opportunities for interactive learning and proactive

technical assistance.

We are in the process of:

• Conducting an implementation and dissemination assessment of each program to determine its readiness for use;

• Developing a practitioner’s guide to obesity prevention based on the common principles of effective programs;

• Preparing educational materials to help professionals determine whether a program they’re using is having the desired

impact; and

• Developing metrics to be used for evaluating these programs.

For more information, visit us at http://militaryfamilies.psu.edu/initiatives/obesity-prevention

Placements on

Continuum of Evidence

Fact Sheet: Page 1 Fact Sheet: Page 2