State action to address obesity

State action to address childhood obesity

Tennessee is the 6th heaviest state in the United States with obesity rates of 26.6 percent. The rate of overweight among adolescents more than tripled in the past 20 years. The rate of overweight among adolescents aged 12 to 19 more than tripled in the past 20 years, increasing from 5 to 17%. An estimated 61 percent of overweight young people have at least one additional risk factor for heart disease. Concern regarding obesity has grown among Federal and State Legislators. As a result laws have been passed requiring schools to address the obesity epidemic and overall health of our nation's youth. The State of Tennessee has become a national leader in school health legislation and policies. Lifestyle habits that include healthy eating and physical activity can lower the risk of becoming overweight and developing related diseases. In 2004, Congress established new requirements mandating school systems with federally funded meal programs develop and implement wellness policies addressing nutrition and physical activity. In 2006 the Coordinated School Health Expansion and Physical Activity Law was passed and resulted in funding for Comprehensive School Health statewide and addressed student activity level by requiring schools to offer at least 90 minutes of physical activity each week.