State Legislation Tackles Childhood Obesity

CENTRAL OHIO—Obesity is one of the major health issues the nation’s children face, according to health-care officials.

NBC 4 reported with the FAST FACTS.

Tuesday, state lawmakers and health-care officials launched the Healthy Choices for Healthy Children Coalition and announced the introduction of legislation to both the House and Senate aimed to tackle childhood obesity.

If the Healthy Choices for Healthy Children Bill were to pass, it would require a number of things from schools.

Schools would:
- Provide 30 minutes of moderate to rigorous physical activity during the day exclusive of recess.
- Increase the amount of time high-school students must dedicate to physical education from a half unit to a full unit.
- Offer more nutritional foods and beverages during the day.
- Require body mass index screenings for children who enter third, fifth and ninth grades.

“Over the last 20 years, the number of children between the ages of 6 and 11 who are heavy has doubled and the number of teens has tripled,“ Nationwide Children’s Hospital CEO Steve Allen said.

Lawmakers said they hope the changes at school trickle down the students’ homes.

“If we can get there with nutrition and healthy lifestyle, we will make a huge difference toward a healthier Ohio because they’ll be driving menu choices at home and lifestyle choices at home,“ State Senator Kevin Coughlin said.

The bill has bipartisan support, and state lawmakers said they hope it’s approved by both the House and Senate and signed into law by Governor Strickland.

For additional information, stay with NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com—Where Accuracy Matters.
To submit a story idea or news tip, e-mail .
MORE: NBC 4 Local News | Local Crime News
NBC 4 SPORTS: Sports News, Video
NBC 4 POLITICS: Headlines, Interactives & Video