New model can eradicate childhood obesity in private sector

Sanofi US (Sanofi) and the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, a non-profit organization founded by the American Heart Association and the William J. Clinton Foundation, today announced a new model for the private sector to combat childhood obesity. Sanofi pledged $800,000 to support the Alliance's work supporting healthy schools in the company's home state of New Jersey, and commits to provide preventative childhood obesity healthcare benefits to all of its employees.

Sanofi's commitment will support the expansion of the Alliance's Healthy Schools Program, which currently supports more than 14,000 schools nationwide and more than 250 schools in New Jersey. With the sponsorship from Sanofi, the Alliance will expand its work in New Jersey to support schools in their efforts to create environments where physical activity and healthy eating for students and staff are the norm, not the exception. Additionally, Sanofi is one of the latest companies to support the Alliance's recommendations of its Healthier Generation Benefit for the prevention, assessment, and treatment of childhood obesity.

"Not only can companies support the programmatic work of childhood obesity initiatives across the country, they can change their own business practice to ensure future generations live long and healthy lives," said Ginny Ehlirch, CEO of the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. "Sanofi is changing the landscape of how the private sector can help combat this critical public health issue. I applaud them for making this commitment to help reverse the childhood obesity epidemic."

Grounded in the philosophy that there is no single cause and no single solution for childhood obesity, the Alliance prides itself on serving as a catalyst for businesses to become a part of the solution. By engaging with companies from diverse industries, the Alliance is able to improve the access kids and families have to healthcare benefits, nutritious foods and physical activity.

"We are pleased to partner with the Alliance to support the expansion in NJ of its Healthy Schools Program, as well as support the guidelines of the Alliance's Healthier Generation Benefit," says Angela Moskow, Vice President of Chronic Disease Prevention & Wellness at Sanofi US. "As a healthcare solutions company, Sanofi is committed to the prevention of chronic disease among all populations, including our nation's youth."

Sanofi's financial support of the Alliance will increase the footprint of the Healthy Schools Program in New Jersey by 85 schools, where the Sanofi US headquarters are located. The Healthy Schools Program supports schools across the country to help transform their campuses into places where physical activity and nutritious food are part of the daily culture. Nearly 80 percent of schools participating in the Healthy Schools Program have made measurable progress towards creating a healthier school environment.

Additionally, Sanofi has committed to following the recommendations of the Healthier Generation Benefit, providing its US-based employees healthcare coverage for the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity. Sanofi's healthcare benefit structure currently allows eligible employees' dependents four follow up visits with their primary care provider and four visits with a registered dietitian per year. These healthcare professionals will work with children and their families on how to establish and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

SOURCE Alliance for a Healthier Generation