San Diego Healthy Weight Collaborative: a systems approach to address childhood obesity

J Health Care Poor Underserved. 2013;24(2 Suppl):80-96. doi: 10.1353/hpu.2013.0107.

Abstract

A collaborative approach to identify opportunities for interactions between multiple systems is an important model for childhood obesity prevention. This paper describes a process aligning multiple partners in primary care, public health, university research, schools, and community organizations. Jointly implemented strategies in a Latino underserved community included: (1) building an effective and sustainable collaborative team; (2) disseminating a healthy weight message across sectors; (3) assessing weight status and healthy weight plans in primary care, school, and early childhood settings; and (4) implementing policy changes to support healthy eating and physical activity. The process and lessons learned were analyzed so other communities can utilize a systems approach to develop culturally appropriate interventions tailored to a specific community.

MeSH terms

  • California
  • Community-Institutional Relations*
  • Cooperative Behavior
  • Hispanic or Latino
  • Humans
  • Pediatric Obesity / prevention & control*
  • Primary Health Care
  • Primary Prevention / organization & administration*
  • Program Development
  • Program Evaluation
  • School Health Services