The conference will focus on research needs for preventing obesity. As the Federal Agency that is most concerned with the production of food and the management of the Federal food assistance programs, the USDA (together with its partners) occupies a position of importance in addressing this important public health concern. The objective is to learn from past and current research what steps we can take to prevent further increase in the prevalence and severity of obesity, and to lead to behavioral changes for a healthier U.S. Our premise is that we must learn the social, economic, and behavioral causes of poor dietary choices before we can design effective prevention measures. We will draw on the expertise of the scientific community for guidance on research themes, both short-term and long-term, and for possible solutions to the problem. The conference will emphasize the roles of different disciplines in examining obesity (from cause to prevention). The conference will be science-based, but will have a definite practical orientation to help us develop practical strategies to prevent obesity.
Structure and Content:
The conference will begin with an introductory session on the first evening, followed by three plenary working sessions over one and a half days. A small group will convene on the afternoon of the third day to prepare a summary report and recommendations. The working sessions will be dialogue-oriented, offering participants an opportunity to share ideas and insights from current research, and provide new ideas for future research and action. Conference sessions include:
Introduction and Stage Setting
Diet, Nutrition and Energy Balance
Behavioral and Economic Science
Exercise, Education, Integrated Programs, and Outreach
Sponsors:
Dr. Joseph Jen, Undersecretary for Research, Education, and Economics
Mr. Eric Bost, Undersecretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services Agricultural Research Service
Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service
