Time-sensitive Obesity Policy Evaluation PAR (R01)

May 2023 Council

Lead Division/Office

OOR, DDN, DEM

Point(s) of Contact

Mary Evans

Executive Summary

Nationally, there is an imperative to take action to reduce obesity prevalence at local, state and federal levels, especially in populations experiencing health disparities. While helping people achieve and maintain a healthy weight is a critical public health goal, relatively little is known about the effectiveness of large-scale policies and programs that could help achieve this goal at the population level, or any differential effects on sub-populations. This initiative is intended to encourage and support research in which a unique and time-sensitive opportunity has arisen to collect baseline data and then prospectively assess effectiveness of an imminent policy or program that is likely to prevent or reduce obesity in a given population (e.g., reduce energy intake, increase activity, decrease sedentary behavior, or improve access to obesity-related healthcare). This initiative will encourage innovative scientific partnerships between researchers and public and private-sector partners (e.g., community-based organizations, local governments, school districts, employers). The funding opportunity would have monthly receipt dates with a goal of issuing awards for meritorious applications within four months of submission.