Changing perceptions of the childhood obesity epidemic.
OBJECTIVE
To examine changes in public attitudes about childhood obesity and support for prevention.


METHODS
RTI surveyed US households (N = 1047 and N = 1139) about perceived severity, causes, and support for specific obesity interventions. Logistic regressions examined differences in obesity attitudes and support for prevention.


RESULTS
Perceived health threat of childhood obesity increased between the 2 surveys. Support increased for interventions such as regulation of restaurant portions and fast food advertising. Logistic regressions revealed differences among sociodemographic groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Public support for childhood obesity prevention is increasing. Policy makers can use these findings to develop appropriate prevention strategies.
RTI, Washington, DC 20036, USA. devans@rti.org
W Douglas
WD
Evans
Jeanette M
JM
Renaud
Eric
E
Finkelstein
Douglas B
DB
Kamerow
Derek S
DS
Brown
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002648:Child; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires