Childhood obesity prevention across borders: The promise of U.S.Latin American research collaboration

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Childhood obesity is increasing at alarming rates across the world, highlighting the need for evidence-based interventions. Research on innovative new strategies to tackle childhood obesity is taking place in the United States (US) and in countries across the Americas. However, studies and programs are too often siloed, resulting in a fractured response to a highly interconnected region-wide issue. Sharing research strategies and proven methods among researchers from Latin America and the United States, especially those working with U.S. Latino populations, can help identify common ground and lessons learned for the adaptation and implementation of evidence-informed childhood obesity prevention interventions. By catalyzing research networks across the region and developing collaborative strategies, we have the potential to address what the World Health Organization calls one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st century.1