In September and October, more than 70 U.S. cities will host a "Walk from Obesity" event to raise both awareness and money for the fight against obesity.

"In 2007, the Walk raised more than $750,000 to support the ASMBS Foundation and its research and professional education initiatives, and the patient and general public educational and advocacy programs the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC). To date, the Walk has provided nearly 2.3 million dollars in overall support."

Walks are happening in cities throughout the nation. Individuals who are interested in participating or supporting walkers can find more information at www.walkfromobesity.com. Source: PR Newswire

Labels: advocacy, community, walking

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, based in Princeton, New Jersey, has committed $500 million to reversing the effects of childhood obesity. The foundation has announced that it hopes to reach this goal by the year 2015.

"If we don't act to reverse this alarming trend, we're in danger of raising the first generation of American children who will live sicker and die younger than the generation before them. Preventing obesity during childhood is critical, because habits that last into adulthood frequently are formed during youth."

The RWJ Foundation will take a three-pronged approach to the fight against obesity; building an evidence base, encouraging action in communities and schools, and advocating for the prevention of childhood obesity.

Read more at RWJF.org.

Labels: advocacy, community, schools