2007 Summit Summary

The 4th Action on Obesity Summit was hosted by Mayo Clinic, Rochester, on March 8 and 9, 2007. This year's summit focused on "The Obesity Epidemic: A Policy Approach to Action." The objective of the summit was to integrate diverse perspectives for a policy to reduce childhood obesity.

The event featured presentations from Dr. David Katz from the Yale University School of Medicine; Jill Birnbaum, vice-president of the American Heat Association National Advocacy Department; Dr. John Jakicic, director of the University of Pittsburgh Physical Activity and Weight Management Research Center; and Dr. Martha Kubik from the University of Minnesota. Minnesota Senate Minority Leader David Senjem also presented, along with former legislators Carla Nelson, and Sheila Kiscaden. Summit attendees also heard from members of the Minnesota Department of Health, Saint Paul and Rochester Public Schools, Olmsted County Public Health, the Minnesota Medical Association, and Mayo Clinic physicians. Participants previewed portions of two upcoming documentaries: "Two Angry Moms" and the PBS special "Fat: What No One is Telling You."

View photos from the summit

Presentations from the Summit

• Overview of Childhood Obesity (Prevalence, Economics, and Policies) (pdf, 11.5 MB), David L. Katz, M.D., MPH
• States With Best Practices for Reducing Childhood Obesity (pdf, 946 KB), Jill Birnbaum, JD
• Reconciling Science and Public Policy (pdf, 2.7 MB), Jan Malcolm and Sheila Kiscaden
• The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Taskforce Experience (pdf, 228 KB), Martha Roberts, MPH, and Wendy Hanson, MPH
• Changing Nutrition and Health Status in the Workplace (pdf, 1.7 MB), M. Molly McMahon, M.D.
• Capacity for Schools to Respond to the Obesity Epidemic (pdf, 195 KB), Ann Hoxie, CPNP, LSN, MS
• Report on Surveillance in Urban School Children (pdf, 260 KB), Stephanie Kimmes, CPNP, MS
• Countering Barriers With Solutions (pdf, 771 KB), Judy Voss, MS, RN, PHN
• Lessons Learned From Big Tobacco (pdf, 2.2 MB), Mary Wellik, MPH, and Richard D. Hurt, M.D.
• Challenges to Accessing Healthcare for the Obese: Reimbursement (pdf, 301 KB), Tiffany R. Beckman, M.D., MPH
• Introduction of "Two Angry Moms" Documentary (pdf, 2.1 MB), Susan P. Rubin, D.M.D., HHC
• Optimal Physical Activity: A Comparison of Philosophies and Programs (What Can We Afford in Schools)? (pdf, 2.6 MB), John M. Jakicic, Ph.D.
• Optimal Nutrition for School Kids: Stories From Minnesota School Districts (pdf, 3 MB), Sherri Knutson and Jean Ronnei
• BMI Surveillance & School-Based BMI Screening: Pros, Cons, and Beyond (pdf, 911 KB), Martha Kubik, Ph.D., MSN, RNC
• Legal Implications of Worksite and School Health Status Surveillance Programs (pdf, 281 KB), Joanne L. Martin, J.D.
• Prioritizing Healthcare Issues and Identifying Channels for Support (pdf, 158 KB), David C. Agerter, M.D.
• Identifying Content and Writing Policy (pdf, 651 KB), Carla Nelson
• The Process of Getting a Bill Passed (pdf, 230 KB), David H. Senjem
• Downstream Effect of Policy: The Parent's Perspective (pdf, 207 KB), Sharon J. Tucker, Ph.D., RN