The book "Preventing Childhood Obesity: Health in the Balance" by Jeffrey P. Koplan, Cathryn T. Liverman, and Vinita J. Kriak, published by the National Academies Press in 2005, addresses the growing crisis of childhood obesity in the United States. The authors, a national committee of thought leaders, present a comprehensive report based on a 24-month study commissioned by the U.S. Congress and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The book highlights the prevalence of obesity in American youth, with 9 million obese children and a significant number of obese students in classrooms and high schools, particularly in low-income and minority communities. The report emphasizes the need for a large-scale public health effort to address the complex factors contributing to childhood obesity, including the built environment, physical activity, diet, and media influence. The committee recommends 10 specific actions across various sectors, such as government, industry, nutrition labeling, advertising, community programs, and healthcare. They advocate for a long-term commitment to prevent and manage obesity, recognizing that the problem is deeply rooted and requires sustained efforts and resources. The book also discusses the importance of defining "obesity" as a body mass index (BMI) ≥ the 95th percentile for age and sex, distinguishing it from "overweight." It calls for expanding opportunities for physical activity and improving dietary quality, especially in high-risk communities. The ultimate goal is to make healthy behaviors the social norm for all children, and the committee stresses the need for ongoing evaluation and adaptation of strategies to ensure success.The book "Preventing Childhood Obesity: Health in the Balance" by Jeffrey P. Koplan, Cathryn T. Liverman, and Vinita J. Kriak, published by the National Academies Press in 2005, addresses the growing crisis of childhood obesity in the United States. The authors, a national committee of thought leaders, present a comprehensive report based on a 24-month study commissioned by the U.S. Congress and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The book highlights the prevalence of obesity in American youth, with 9 million obese children and a significant number of obese students in classrooms and high schools, particularly in low-income and minority communities. The report emphasizes the need for a large-scale public health effort to address the complex factors contributing to childhood obesity, including the built environment, physical activity, diet, and media influence. The committee recommends 10 specific actions across various sectors, such as government, industry, nutrition labeling, advertising, community programs, and healthcare. They advocate for a long-term commitment to prevent and manage obesity, recognizing that the problem is deeply rooted and requires sustained efforts and resources. The book also discusses the importance of defining "obesity" as a body mass index (BMI) ≥ the 95th percentile for age and sex, distinguishing it from "overweight." It calls for expanding opportunities for physical activity and improving dietary quality, especially in high-risk communities. The ultimate goal is to make healthy behaviors the social norm for all children, and the committee stresses the need for ongoing evaluation and adaptation of strategies to ensure success.