The Adolescent Obesity & Inactivity Project

Jennifer Fisher, Project Coordinator

Program Overview

Every day, a family physician or Cooperative Extension Agent sees someone who is at risk of being overweight or obese. Every day, that physician or agent thinks about how they can help people adopt healthier eating habits and increase their physical activity. The Adolescent Obesity and Inactivity Initiative (AOI) is an action plan to address obesity and inactivity in families in counties across the state. It is a program designed to bring together community agencies and local resources to help children and their families eat smart and move more.

"Overweight arises from multiple causes, some as intimate as the family dinner table, others as seductive as television. Given the profound consequences of childhood inactivity, poor nutrition, and overweight throughout the lifespan, urgency is warranted in responding to this epidemic."

- Richard Strauss,
Robert Wood Johnson School of Medicine

Tools have been developed to help both the healthcare provider and the agent to assess the patient or family's needs and then make the recommendations that can bring about change. It will not be easy, change takes time, but with the continued efforts of family physicians, Cooperative Extension Agents, parents, teachers and other community leaders, it can be done.

The North Carolina Academy of Family Physicians and the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service are excited about the opportunity to collaborate on this issue. We can and we will make a difference. Together, we can insure the health and productivity of our state's youngest citizens. This webpage has been designed to keep you informed of all the activities taking place across the state on this particular project. You will also find links and resources to help guide you through the process. Physician, agent, parent or teen--we welcome your comments.