Six barriers to success in programs to combat obesity, and how we can fix them

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies obesity as a risk factor for many other serious chronic conditions and an increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19. In fact, the CDC 2020 Adult Obesity Prevalence Maps show 16 states with an adult obesity prevalence at or above 35%, up from 12 states in 2019. The evidence is also clear that obesity disproportionately affects low-income and underrepresented populations. Although numerous intervention studies and initiatives have focused on promoting healthy eating and physical activity to combat obesity, little progress has been made, especially for low-income populations.

Read how our work at The Ohio State University College of Nursing, including two decades of experience working with low-income, overweight or obese mothers with young children, have helped to identify six major barriers to progress and ways they can be overcome to do better to help low-income families eat and live healthier.

How can we do better to help low-income mothers eat healthier?