Food Policy and Obesity Prevention

fatty foods

The Center analyzes food policy and obesity prevention issues, such as use of zoning to prevent obesity, and legal concerns related to food labeling. Center faculty study policies that may thwart obesity prevention efforts, such as preemption of state or local laws. In addition, the Center has conceptualized innovative legal methods to prevent obesity and promote healthier food choices.

Selected Projects:

Selected Publications:

  • Rutkow L, Jones-Smith J, Walters HJ, O’Hara M, Bleich SN. Factors that encourage and discourage policy-making to prevent childhood obesity: experience in the United States. J Public Health Policy. 2016;37(4):514-527.
  • Bleich SN, Jones-Smith J, Jones H, O’Hara M, Rutkow L. The Voices for Healthy Kids Campaign and U.S. state legislation to prevent childhood obesity. Am J Public Health. 2016;106(3):436-439.
  • Donaldson EA, Cohen JE, Villanti AC, Kanarek NF, Barry CL, Rutkow L. Patterns of predictors of state adult obesity prevention legislation enactment in U.S. states: 2010-2013. Prev Med. 2015;74:117-122.
  • Rutkow L, Vernick JS, Edwards DM, Rodman SO, Barry CL. Legal action against health claims on foods and beverages marketed to youth. Am J Public Health. 2015;105(3):450-456.
  • Bleich SN, Rutkow L. Improving obesity prevention at the local level – emerging opportunities. N Engl J Med. 2013;368(19):1761-1763.