OKLAHOMA CITY – Public health experts, policymakers and health advocates from 16 states are expected to attend the 13th Annual Southern Obesity Summit in Oklahoma City. The conference is set for Oct. 28 through Oct. 30 at the Cox Convention Center. The Summit is the largest regional obesity prevention event in the United States and is expected to draw over 400 people. “The Southern Obesity Summit will bring together leaders from across the south to share, learn and develop strategies to combat the obesity epidemic,” said Julie Bisbee, Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust Executive Director.
“The Summit will include sessions that focus on local solutions, business success stories related to employee wellness and high-level conversations about the impact that statewide policies can have on reducing obesity for children and adults.” After smoking, obesity is the second-leading cause of preventable death, Bisbee said. State leaders, businesses, local governments, parents and communities all have a role to play in addressing this issue by ensuring that all Oklahomans have access to nutritious food and opportunities for safe physical activity, she said. The Summit will cover a wide range of topics including complex and collaborate system change, the how-to and impacts of state and local policies; employee wellness programs; building collaboration and partnerships; and social media’s relationship to health.