Results of the USM Public Perception of Childhood Obesity Survey

About 95 percent of adult Mississippians think that childhood obesity is a serious problem in Mississippi, according to a recent survey conducted by researchers at the College of Health at the University of Southern Mississippi (USM).  In addition, Mississippi adults show stronger support for public policies to address the problem than adults nationwide.   For example, Mississippians were more favorable to the following:

• To the government playing a significant role in reducing child obesity
• To laws limiting vending machines in elementary, middle, and high schools
• To a law requiring BMI assessments for children in schools
• To a law requiring 30 minutes of physical activity in school

The Center for Mississippi Health Policy has prepared an Issue Brief summarizing the results of the survey.  More detailed information can be found in the Research Highlights or full Report from USM.