title: Health Care Systems and National Policy: Role of Leadership in the Obesity Crisis.
abstract: Obesity, defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher in adults and BMI in the 95th percentile or higher for children, is epidemic in the United States. The predominant culture of caloric excess and sedentary behaviors contributes to this problem. Obesity increases the risk of many chronic diseases and premature death. The broad response to this costly disease includes efforts from medical providers, local and federal governments, and nongovernmental agencies. Although obesity can be addressed on an individual basis, it is largely recognized as a public health issue.
authors.affiliation: Division of Public Health, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Utah, 375 Chipeta Way Suite A, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA. Electronic address: Jessica.L.Jones@utah.edu.
authors.forename: Jessica Lynn
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.affiliation: Division of Public Health, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Utah, 375 Chipeta Way Suite A, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Sundwall
mesh_terms: D015992:Body Mass Index; D004032:Diet; D015444:Exercise; D035082:Federal Government; D006077:Government Agencies / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D009765:Obesity / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology*; D057766:Policy; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011634:Public Health; D013219:State Government; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology
keywords: Leadership; Management; Obesity epidemiology; Policy