title: Policy, systems, and environmental approaches for obesity prevention: a framework to inform local and state action.
abstract: The public health literature has not fully explored the complexities of the policy process as they relate to public health practice and obesity prevention. We conducted a review of the literature across the policy science and public health fields, distilled key theories of policy making, and developed a framework to inform policy, systems, and environmental change efforts on obesity prevention. Beginning with a conceptual description, we focus on understanding three domains of the policy process: the problem domain, the policy domain, and the political domain. We identify key activities in the policy process including the following: (a) assessing the social and political environment; (b) engaging, educating and collaborating with key individuals and groups; (c) identifying and framing the problem; (d) utilizing available evidence; (e) identifying policy solutions; and (f) building public support and political will. The article provides policy change resources and case studies to guide and support local and state efforts around obesity prevention.
authors.affiliation: Division of Health Management and Policy, Institute of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia 30302, USA. rlyn1@gsu.edu
authors.forename: Rodney
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lyn
authors.forename: Semra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Aytur
authors.forename: Tobey A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Davis
authors.forename: Amy A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Eyler
authors.forename: Kelly R
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Evenson
authors.forename: Jamie F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Chriqui
authors.forename: Angie L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Cradock
authors.forename: Karin Valentine
authors.initials: KV
authors.lastname: Goins
authors.forename: Jill
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Litt
authors.forename: Ross C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Brownson
mesh_terms: D004779:Environment Design; D006266:Health Education; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D009111:Local Government; D009765:Obesity / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011050:Policy Making; D011057:Politics; D013219:State Government; D014481:United States