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Environmental Factors Driving Rising Obesity in California

​More than seven million Californians are obese, and obesity rates have risen over the past decade to encompass one-quarter of the adult population. The cost to Californians -- in terms of health and medical care -- is rising as well. What can the state do to stem the epidemic? In this seminar, part of the Center's 2015 Health Policy Seminar Series, Center Research Scientist Joelle Wolstein and Senior Center Research Scientist Susan Babey discuss findings from their recent 10-year study, Obesity in California.

Speakers

Susan H. Babey

Susan H. Babey

Director of Research

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Joelle Wolstein

Joelle Wolstein

Research Scientist

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Upcoming Events

Monday, November 16, 2026

Training // 2:00 PM — 4:00 PM

CHIS Data User Training for Legislative Staff and Government Agencies

Join us on Monday, November 16, for a special California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) Data User Training in Sacramento, designed for legislative, policy, and government agency staff. 

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Tuesday, November 17, 2026

// 9:00 AM — 4:00 PM

2026 E.R. Brown Symposium — Nourishing the Future: Reimagining Nutrition Security in an Era of Change

Join us on Tuesday, November 17, for the 2026 E.R. Brown Symposium, Nourishing the Future: Reimagining Nutrition Security in an Era of Change, being held in person in Sacramento. This full-day event features an exciting lineup of speakers working to improve food and nutrition security in the state and includes conversations on protecting food and nutrition in a changing climate, priorities and policy asks for Food as Medicine, strengthening safety net programs, and support for students. Register for this free symposium.

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Tuesday, December 08, 2026

Training Webinar // 12:00 PM — 1:30 PM

California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) Data User Training

Join us on Tuesday, December 8, for the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) Data User Training. This webinar is free and open to the public.

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