Strategy

Preventing Obesity by Design (POD)

What is it?

Preventing Obesity by Design (POD) is a comprehensive health intervention program that aims to reverse the trend toward childhood obesity. The program focuses on creating outdoor learning environments that encourage children to participate in physical play activities, hands-on gardening, and outdoor learning.  

What is the evidence base?

Outdoor activities improve children’s cognitive, social-emotional, and physical health. Some of these benefits include improving social relations and academic performance and reducing stress and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) symptoms. Outdoor renovations from POD contribute to higher levels of children’s physical activity and positive changes in children’s behaviors. 

• Cosco, Moore, and Smith_2014_Childcare Outdoor Renovation as a Build Environment Health Promotion Strategy: Evaluation the Preventing Obesity by Design Intervention
• The Natural Learning Initiative NC State University_2019_Impact of Naturalized Early Childhood Outdoor Learning Environment: Research Brief