CAN DO Houston: a community-based approach to preventing childhood obesity.

BACKGROUND

Comprehensive, community-based efforts may reduce rates of childhood obesity.

COMMUNITY CONTEXT

Almost half of the children in Houston are overweight or obese, even though Houston has many available resources that support good nutrition, physical activity, and prevention of weight gain among children.

METHODS

We used existing resources to implement a community-based, childhood obesity prevention initiative in 2 low-income neighborhoods in Houston. On the basis of input from community members, we coordinated various activities to promote healthy living, including after-school programs, grocery store tours, wellness seminars, cooking classes, and staff wellness clubs.

OUTCOME

Preliminary findings indicated that residents in the communities are using additional opportunities to participate in physical activity and nutrition education.

INTERPRETATION

Implementing a successful childhood obesity prevention initiative in an urban setting is feasible with minimal funding through the use of existing resources.