Parents, schools, school districts, and the state are able to better understand the obesity epidemic and track progress using detailed annual data. Providing a standardized measurement protocol, equipment, and efficient data entry and report generation options has enabled Arkansas to institutionalize the BMI assessment process in public schools.

National recommendations to address the emerging obesity epidemic include increased awareness, individual interventions, and environmental changes. However, guidance for translating public health and clinical evidence into meaningful policies has been limited. Arkansas formulated and passed simple yet powerful legislation to combat childhood obesity through actions in public schools. Specific legislative requirements were straightforward. Importantly, the act included an independent mechanism to identify, examine, debate, and develop further action steps. Based on our experience, we present a framework for developing a cross-sector approach to translating science into policy and practice, and we offer this guide to other states facing similar health threats.

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