DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/0MZN-QA40
Defense Date
2021
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Public Policy & Administration
First Advisor
Sarah Jane Brubaker
Second Advisor
Richard Huff
Third Advisor
Sarah Raskin
Fourth Advisor
Dina Garcia
Abstract
Abstract
Obesity has reached nearly 40% of the adult public in the United States, costing the citizen taxpayer over $200 billion annually in healthcare costs. Those suffering from obesity deal with multiple physical and mental repercussions. Through a content analysis of four Centers for Disease Control (CDC) documents and guided by the conceptual framework of the social ecological model, this research explores the federal approach to preventing obesity. The analysis finds that CDC solutions to obesity involve connecting people to each other and healthier choices, an orientation toward local public administration, and an emphasis on environmental and infrastructure improvements. The research makes multiple public policy recommendations to improve upon the current CDC guidance, chief among them, promoting tactics and strategies in a comprehensive manner where multiple social ecological levels of influence are engaged simultaneously. Ultimately, according to the CDC prevention strategies, it is the public policy level of influence, particularly at the local level, that must prompt prevention of and solutions to obesity.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
3-31-2021
Included in
Health Policy Commons, Infrastructure Commons, Other Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration Commons, Policy Design, Analysis, and Evaluation Commons, Public Administration Commons, Public Policy Commons