ChildObesity180

ChildObesity180 is a national nonprofit initiative dedicated to reversing the trend of childhood obesity in the United States. It was founded in 2009 and is based at the Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy. The organization operates with a unique cross-sector model, bringing together leaders from academia, the private sector, and government to develop, implement, and scale evidence-based solutions. Its work focuses on creating systemic changes in environments where children live, learn, and play.

History and founding

ChildObesity180 was launched in 2009 by a coalition of leaders including Dr. Christina Economos, who serves as its director and is a professor at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy. The initiative was created in response to the escalating public health crisis of childhood obesity, drawing inspiration from earlier large-scale public health successes like the campaign against tobacco use. Its founding was supported by a major grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, a leading philanthropy in health. The organization was established with the explicit goal of applying rigorous, scientific methods to identify and scale interventions with the greatest potential for population-level impact.

Mission and approach

The mission of ChildObesity180 is to foster a healthier future for all children by driving systemic change to prevent obesity. Its approach is characterized by a "venture philanthropy" model, treating the challenge like a startup company by investing in, testing, and scaling high-potential ideas. The organization emphasizes a life-course perspective, targeting critical periods from infancy through adolescence. It operates on the principle that effective solutions must be multi-faceted, engaging sectors such as public health, education, and business to alter the food environment and promote physical activity.

Key programs and initiatives

Among its flagship programs is **Healthy Kids Out of School**, which works with national youth-serving organizations like the Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of the USA, and 4-H to promote healthy eating and physical activity in after-school and weekend settings. Another major initiative is **Shape Up Somerville**, a pioneering community-based intervention study in Somerville, Massachusetts that became a national model. The organization also launched **Together Counts**, a consumer awareness campaign in partnership with the Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation, and has developed tools like the **MENU Program** to improve nutrition in early care and education settings.

Research and evaluation

Research and rigorous evaluation form the cornerstone of all ChildObesity180 activities. The initiative designs and conducts large-scale, randomized controlled trials and other scientific studies to measure the efficacy of its interventions. This work is often published in leading peer-reviewed journals such as Pediatrics and Obesity. Key research partners include the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the University of California, Berkeley. The data gathered informs continuous program refinement and provides a evidence base to advocate for policy changes at local, state, and federal levels.

Partnerships and funding

ChildObesity180’s cross-sector model relies on deep collaborations with a diverse array of partners. These include federal agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, corporations such as Kraft Heinz and Nestlé, and philanthropic organizations including the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the JPB Foundation. Funding is secured through a mix of foundation grants, corporate partnerships, and federal research awards. These partnerships are essential for piloting programs, sharing resources, and achieving the widespread dissemination necessary for national impact.

Impact and recognition

The initiatives led by ChildObesity180 have demonstrated measurable impacts, including reductions in body mass index (BMI) among participating children and improved nutritional environments in thousands of schools and community programs. Its **Shape Up Somerville** study is frequently cited as a landmark in community health intervention. The organization’s work has been recognized by institutions like the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and has influenced national conversations and strategies, including those aligned with the Let's Move! campaign championed by former First Lady Michelle Obama.

Category:Public health organizations in the United States Category:Childhood obesity Category:Organizations established in 2009