Policy-makers throughout the world seek to address childhood obesity prevention, yet little is known about factors that influence policy-makers' decisions on this topic. From September 2014 to April 2015, we conducted 43 semi-structured interviews about factors that encourage and discourage policy-makers' support for childhood obesity prevention policies. We interviewed policy-makers (n = 12) and two other groups engaged with childhood obesity prevention policies: representatives of non-governmental organizations (n = 24) and academics (n = 7). Factors that encourage policy-makers' support for childhood obesity prevention policies included: positive impact on government finances, an existing evidence base, partnerships with community-based collaborators, and consistency with policy-makers' priorities. Factors that discourage policy-makers' support included the following: perceptions about government's role, food and beverage industry opposition, and policy-makers' beliefs about personal responsibility. As public health practitioners, advocates, and others seek to advance childhood obesity prevention in the U.S. and elsewhere, the factors we identified offer insights into ways to frame proposed policies and strategies to influence policy-makers.

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Objective: Legislators are increasingly interested in preventing childhood obesity, and public policy offers one option to address this epidemic. Broad support is critical to advancing policies on legislators' agendas, but little is known about what influences relevant organizations to focus on childhood obesity prevention policies. We explored factors that encourage and hinder policy-makers, non-governmental organizations, and academics from focusing on childhood obesity prevention policies. Methods:From September 2014-April 2015, we conducted semi-structured interviews with individuals from the following groups: policy-makers (n = 12), nongovernmental organizations (n = 24), and academics (n = 7). Interviews were conducted with individuals in 19 U.S. states and Washington, DC about facilitators and impediments to their organizations' focus on childhood obesity prevention policies. Results:Identified facilitators included collaborations and partnerships; funding for programs related to obesity prevention; and available data and related research. An additional facilitator noted by representatives of NGOs was increased awareness of childhood obesity. Impediments included lack of financial resources; influence of the food and beverage industries; and institutional barriers, such as limitations on advocacy for NGOs. Conclusion:Stakeholder and researcher engagement brings important issues to policy-makers' attention and raises the profile of proposed legislation. For organizations that promote childhood obesity prevention policies -or are interested in becoming involved in this work -our findings highlight key factors to consider in strategic planning and related processes.Keywords: Childhood obesity; Public health practice; Health policy; Government IntroductionApproximately 17% of U.S. children are obese, which elevates their lifetime risk for numerous chronic health conditions [1][2][3]. Experts have identified various, synergistic approaches to mitigate childhood obesity, such as altering school food environments, conducting outreach and education to children and families, and improving communities' green spaces [4][5][6]. An additional, and related, option involves the use of public policy, such as legislation or regulation. At all levels of government, policy-makers have demonstrated a growing interest in childhood obesity prevention. For example, the number of childhood obesity prevention bills introduced and passed into law by state-level policy-makers has notably increased during the last decade [7][8][9].Broad support is key for childhood obesity prevention policies to advance on legislators' agendas [10]. Studies have confirmed that certain groups -such as policy-makers, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and academicsinfluence legislators by sharing research and anecdotes, giving testimony, and providing a window into constituents' views [11][12][13][14]. This type of activity also gives legislators a sense of the breadth of support for a given piece of proposed legislation [15]. Thus, to prom...

Introduction: Childhood obesity disparities exist, yet little is known about why organizations focus on health equity (i.e., the absence of systematic disparities in health) when working in this area. Methods: From September 2014 to April 2015, we interviewed 43 policy-makers, non-governmental organization representatives, and academics to explore why organizations focus on health equity within their childhood obesity policy work. Results: Key themes included: organizational mission/focus on health equity, funders' requirements to prioritize health equity, and community engagement coupled with data availability to support their interest in health equity. Conclusions: Funders and other childhood obesity stakeholders can capitalize on these findings to facilitate activities that address health equity.