On two previous occasions (2007 and 2012), HALO Director Dr. Mark Tremblay has authored papers that have reviewed major initiatives related to childhood obesity and physical inactivity in Canada.

The latest installment, “Major Initiatives Related to Childhood Obesity and Physical Inactivity in Canada: 2014 Year in Review,” is available here on the HALO website. It is viewable in both HTML and PDF formats. Citation details and a summary of the paper are below.

Tremblay MS, Prince SA, Ham J, Barnes J. Major Initiatives Related to Childhood Obesity and Physical Inactivity in Canada: 2014 Year in Review. Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Group, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, 2016. www.haloresearch.ca/major-initiatives-related-to-childhood-obesity-and-physical-inactivity-in-canada-2014-year-in-review

ABSTRACT: Childhood obesity and physical inactivity are important public health priorities across multiple jurisdictions in Canada. To catalogue and profile important work being done, this manuscript briefly reviews 15 significant initiatives from 2014. Initiatives were selected based on a survey of stakeholders (N=74), a comprehensive review of related websites, and authors’ awareness of sector activities. Highlighted initiatives include: the physical literacy movement; Mind, Exercise, Nutrition, Do it (MEND); ParticipACTION campaigns and events; Active At School; 60 Minute Kids’ Club; RBC Learn to Play; Healthy Canada By Design; development of the National Recreation Framework; Children’s Fitness Tax Credit; National Health and Fitness Day; the Global Summit on the Physical Activity of Children; The Play Exchange; the Active Healthy Kids Canada Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth; Canadian Physical Activity Levels Among Youth Survey; and the Canadian Health Measures Survey. Many initiatives are underway across Canada in an attempt to address the current childhood obesity and physical inactivity crisis. Continued, enhanced, sustainable and scalable efforts must continue to be pursued to preserve the health of Canadian children.