Obesity in Santa Clara County

Overview

This course proposed initiatives designed to reduce obesity in Santa Clara County. Law, medical, and public policy students worked directly with representatives from the County Board of Supervisors to identify strategies for reducing child and adult obesity. Among Santa Clara County adults, overweight and obesity increased from 52% in 2000 to 55% in 2009. Seventeen percent (17%) of fifth, seventh, and ninth graders in Santa Clara County are overweight and an additional 16% are obese – a striking statistic for middle school-aged children. Consistent with national findings on the correlation between weight and family income, County data show that the lower the household income, the higher the prevalence of overweight and obesity. Among low-income children in Santa Clara County in 2010, the prevalence of overweight and obesity increased with age. This Practicum supported the County’s strategic plan for public health, “Roadmap to a Healthier Future: A strategic plan, 2012-2015,” which seeks to enhance nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle practices in all county communities. The Practicum met regularly with the County Counsel’s office, advised the County Board of Supervisors on communities’ progress generally, and briefed the County Public Health Department on options to support communities that continue to lag county norms and national standards.

Faculty

Paul Brest

Paul Brest

  • Interim Dean
  • Professor of Law, Emeritus
  • Director of Law and Policy Lab
  • Interim Executive Director, Steyer-Taylor Center for Energy Policy and Finance

Clients & Deliverables

Clients:

Deliverables:

  • Oral Briefings

This practicum developed obesity initiatives for Santa Clara County. Law, medical, and public policy students worked with representatives from the County Board of Supervisors to identify practical strategies for reducing child and adult obesity.