Childhood obesity in the United States has reached epidemic proportions. It is estimated that by 2010, twenty percent of children in the U.S. will be obese. Right now, Wisconsin is ranked 28th in the nation for its rate of overweight youths (ages 10-17) at 13.5 percent, according to a new report by Trust for America's Health (TFAH).
Researchers suggest that the childhood obesity epidemic is largely due to a decline in regular physical activity and a diet high in empty and fat-laden calories. A lack of regular physical activity not only hurts a child's health, it can also affect his/her academic development, as research also shows that healthy children learn more effectively and are higher academic achievers.
So while experts agree that increasing physical activity is the most important component of any program to combat childhood obesity and promote the health of students, many schools are being forced to cut back on PE programs because of lack of resources and competing academic demands and testing. Between 1991 and 2003, enrollment of high school students in daily PE classes fell from 41.6% to 28.4%.
U.S. Rep. Ron Kind, a member of the Congressional Fitness Caucus, has recognized that we must enlist our schools in combating this obesity epidemic and make physical and nutritional education a priority. Congress is scheduled to take up No Child Left Behind reauthorization in the next month, presenting what Rep. Kind sees as an opportunity to prioritize physical education in our public schools.
That's why he recently joined with Reps. Jay Inslee (D-WA), and Zach Wamp (R-TN) in introducing the “Fitness Integrated with Teaching Kids (FIT Kids) Act,” (H.R. 3257). Specifically, the FIT Kids Act would:
o Add physical education to the multiple measures for determining accountability under NCLB. States would be measured for their demonstrated progress toward meeting a national goal (recommended by the Centers for Disease Control) for required physical education of 150 minutes per week in elementary schools and 225 minutes per week for students in middle and high schools.
o Provide information to parents and the public by requiring all schools, districts and states to report on students' physical activity. This information would include the amount of time spent in required physical education in relation to the recommended national standard and the percentage of age-appropriate physical education curriculum and certified physical education teachers.
o Promote physical education and activity in school programs by supporting professional development for faculty and staff to promote kids' healthy lifestyles and physical activity.
o Authorize a study and pilot program to support effective ways to combat childhood obesity and improve healthy living and physical activity for all children.
By ensuring that our schools are providing comprehensive physical education, we can give every child - regardless of their background - an opportunity to learn healthy habits, and get moving. In doing so, we will also see the benefits in their math and reading test scores, get to the root of the obesity epidemic, and get kids on a healthy path early in life.
Supporting organizations include: the American Heart Association, American Stroke Association, National Association for Sport and Physical Education, Afterschool Alliance, American Association for Physical Activity and Recreation, American School Health Association, Healthy Schools Campaign, National Association of Health Education Centers, National Recreation and Park Association, Obesity Action Coalition, Researchers Against Inactivity-related Disorders, SPARK, and Trust for America's Health.
To speak with Rep. Kind further about the “FIT Kids Act,” please contact Anne Lupardus at 202-226-8126.