Grant: Operating Grant: Knowledge to Action

Rates of childhood obesity are increasing all over the world and with this comes increased rates of serious, life-long diseases such as type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and even cancer. Up until now, treatment strategies for childhood obesity have been mostly ineffective. Therefore, a focus on prevention is necessary and this should start at the level of communities in which children live and play. This project will evaluate a thoughtfully designed system that will support the exchange of knowledge between experts in childhood obesity prevention and the key individuals, leaders, and community members who can inspire, motivate and create long-lasting changes at the community-level that will ultimately support children and their families in leading healthier lifestyles. The results of this project will be important not only to the prevention of childhood obesity and the long-term health of children and youth, but will also be relevant to other health promotion or disease prevention initiatives in Canada, and around the world.