摘要：Obesity in the United States exacts a heavy health and financial toll, requiring new approaches to address this public health crisis. State attorneys general have been underutilized in efforts to formulate and implement food and obesity policy solutions. Their authority lies at the intersection of law and public policy, creating unique opportunities unavailable to other officials and government entities. Attorneys general have a broad range of authority over matters specifically relevant to obesity and nutrition policy, including parens patriae (parent of the country) authority, protecting consumer interests, enacting and supporting rules and regulations, working together across states, engaging in consumer education, and drafting opinions and amicus briefs. Significant room exists for greater attorney general involvement in formulating and championing solutions to public health problems such as obesity. Obesity is a public health crisis that requires government action at multiple levels and across disciplines. Approximately two thirds of the US adult population 1 and one third of children and adolescents 2 are overweight or obese. This problem exacts a heavy health and financial toll, 3 requiring new approaches toward a solution. Many state and local legislatures and agencies are addressing obesity and food policy, but other public officials could play an important role. State attorneys general have a scope of authority that lies at the intersection of law and public policy, creating unique opportunities that may not be available to other government officials. Attorneys general are independent public officials responsible for justice, protecting the public interest, counseling public officials, and serving as a liaison among states and between state and federal entities. Thus, state attorneys general can be leaders in formulating and effectuating obesity and food policy solutions.
