Sarah Woods, a dietitian at a public health clinic in north St. Louis County, gets called into the exam room whenever a physician becomes concerned about a child’s weight.

When Woods started the job five years ago, she diligently told families how much exercise children should be getting and what food they should be eating.

“But then I really sat back and started asking questions instead of giving information. And when I did that,” she said, “I learned a lot of things.”

Nearly 10 years ago, the state of Missouri launched an extensive effort to prevent and treat childhood obesity, taking on one of the most challenging health challenges facing its residents. Read more.