Presentations

Obesity-Related Policy, Systems, and Environmental Research in the U.S. (OPUS) workshop

The National Collaborative on Childhood Obesity Research (NCCOR) hosted the Obesity-Related Policy, Systems, and Environmental Research in the U.S. (OPUS) workshop, showcasing presentations from leading experts in obesity prevention and public health. The workshop focused on best practices in obesity prevention research, emphasizing community engagement and systems change through an equity lens. Christina Economos served as a panelist for the discussion: Advancing Success in Obesity Prevention: What Works Where and for Whom? 

Roundtable on Obesity Solutions 10th Anniversary Symposium: “Obesity Solutions: Looking Back, Moving Forward”

The Roundtable on Obesity Solutions hosted its 10th Anniversary Symposium, titled “Obesity Solutions: Looking Back, Moving Forward.” This milestone event reflected a decade of progress in addressing obesity through innovative solutions and collaborative efforts. The symposium aimed to foster dialogue among experts, stakeholders, and community leaders, reinforcing the importance of continued collaboration and systems-level approaches to create impactful change in public health. Christina Economos shared insights from her extensive research on the importance of multi-sector collaboration. She emphasized that effective obesity solutions must engage diverse sectors, including public health, education, and community organizations.  

Healthy Living Matters: Connecting Policy to the Future

The Healthy Living Matters (HLM) initiative brings together a diverse group of local leaders in Houston dedicated to a two-year planning effort aimed at curbing childhood obesity. This multi-sector collaboration focuses on leveraging policy action to enact systemic and environmental changes that promote healthier lifestyles for children. In the HLM Collaborative Meeting of 2022, Christina Economos highlighted the critical role of community engagement in driving these efforts. She emphasized that effective obesity prevention requires a holistic approach that considers the unique needs of the community. The meeting showcases insightful discussions and strategies aimed at fostering a healthier future for children in the region.

Facilitating community partnerships through a Learning Collaborative

The Healthy Foods and Active Communities Council webinar, hosted by the Association of State Public Health Nutritionists (ASPHN), focused on strategies to promote healthier food environments and active living. This session brought together experts to discuss innovative approaches and best practices for enhancing community well-being. Presenters shared insights on addressing barriers to healthy eating and physical activity, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among public health professionals, community organizations, and policymakers. 

New Jersey Healthy Kids Initiative Symposium: Child Health in the 21st Century

The first New Jersey Healthy Kids Initiative Symposium — Child Health in the 21st Century — provided a big picture overview of child health through the lens of nutrition and physical activity, with a combination of scientific presentations and community panels. Some of the featured speakers included Drs. Matthew Gillman (NIH), Christina Economos (Tufts), Yvonne Maddox (Uniformed Services University), and Anne Barnhill (Johns Hopkins).

Integrating Systems and Sectors Towards Obesity Solutions: Part 2

The second part of the workshop, put on by the National Academies of Medicine Roundtable on Obesity Solutions,  looked at existing societal systems that have the potential to shape public health, and consider opportunities for systems change as they relate to obesity solutions. Presenters explored how systems and contributing factors like inequity (i.e., social determinants), power dynamics, relationships, capacity, and political will affect systems that can influence obesity, and how they can impact effective communications and cross-sector collaboration to address obesity. 

Integrating Systems and Sectors Toward Obesity Solutions: Part 1

This virtual workshop, hosted by the National Academies of Medicine Roundtable on Obesity Solutions, provided background on systems theories, methodologies, and applications in community-based obesity prevention. Read the Workshop Proceedings here.

A movement by moments: Christina Economos at TEDxSomerville

What happens when a dozen concerned doctors diagnose you with a serious condition, via email, after seeing you on national television? If you’re Christina Economos, one of America’s leading health activists, you act first – and then thank the universe for the concern and kindness of strangers. In this TEDx talk, Dr. Economos shares more about her work, and how Shape Up Somerville has become a national model for curbing obesity.