Arkansas Advocates releases child obesity report (UALR Public Radio) - Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families has released a new report looking at childhood obesity and strategies that are working in the fight against it. After five years of state policies to combat the problem, the group's findings suggest adults should look beyond just a number on the scale.

"Often when we solely focus on obesity, it doesn't inspire kids to change their habits," said Elizabeth Barrack, the group's health policy director.

"There are a lot of negative connotations, so a lot of the feedback we got was, 'let's look at overall child fitness.'"

The group also recommends doing more quality physical education, and starting earlier with kids, beginning in pre-school.

Barrack says there are opportunities for creative local partnerships, such as bringing in doctor's offices to do health screenings.

"A lot of the message, too, is that schools shouldn't be doing this alone," Barrack said.

Policy changes the group will work toward in the state include more after-school programs, and expansion of the Coordinated School Health Program, which fosters schools' community partnerships. That program is already working in 30 school districts.

Advocates is offering more resources at www.changingchildobesity.org
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