The UB Obesity Report Card TM : An Overview

Abstract

The Obesity Report Card^TM was developed by researchers at the University of Baltimore's Schaefer Center for Public Policy as a tool to gauge the response of state legislatures to the obesity epidemic. Two report cards were developed. The first examined legislative efforts to address obesity in the general population and the second examined legislative efforts targeting childhood obesity. The researchers looked for legislation that establishes nutrition standards for schools; regulates vending machine access and content; requires BMI measurement in schools; mandates recess and physical education; requires obesity programs and education; mandates obesity treatment under health insurance coverage; and establishes commissions to study obesity. Grades were issued to each state based upon the progress they made in enacting legislation in these areas. This article examines the findings of the Obesity Report Card^TM.