HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 9

(By Delegates Perdue, Hatfield, Brown, DeLong, Fleischauer, Foster, Frederick, Iaquinta, Mahan, Paxton, Spencer, Susman, Webster, Yost, Ashley, Carmichael, Hall, Howard, Schadler, Sobonya, Sumner)

(Originating in the Committee on Health and Human Resources)

[January 22,2003]


Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to conduct a study on the childhood obesity epidemic in West Virginia in regards to chronic diseases, poor nutrition and inadequate exercise.

W HEREAS , The prevalence of obesity has increased sharply among American adolescents and children since its recognition nearly a half century ago as a national health risk; and
W HEREAS , According to the Department of Health and Human Resources, forty percent of children in West Virginia are found to be either overweight or obese; and
W HEREAS , Twenty-two percent of middle and high school students ages twelve to eighteen years, report that they engage in little or no strenuous physical activity with even higher percentages having high fat diets; and
W HEREAS , Physical education is taught only 2.6 days per week on average in elementary schools and only one semester on average in middle school with less than forty percent of students being able to pass the President's Physical Fitness Test; and
W HEREAS , Among school-age children, eighteen percent report eating five servings of fruit and vegetables daily; and
W HEREAS , Obesity presents numerous problems for children. In addition to increasing the risk of obesity in adulthood, childhood obesity is the leading cause of pediatric hypertension, is associated with Type II diabetes mellitus (also known as Adult On- set Diabetes), increases the risk of coronary heart disease, increases stress on the weight-bearing joints while also affecting relationships with peers; and
W HEREAS ; The deleterious effects of obesity on chronic disease risks; its multiplicity of causes; its persistence from childhood into adult; the paucity of successful treatment options and the complexities of treatment guidelines, all argue for increased attention to the prevention of excessive weight gain starting as early in life as possible; and
W HEREAS , This societal challenge can be dealt with through a host of treatments such as, but not limited to; parent education, physical activity, diet management, behavior modification, and policy development; and
W HEREAS , Reversing these current trends among our youth will require a multifaceted approach as well as active participation of health officials, researchers, educators and legislators in the formulation of obesity prevention programs; therefore be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study the effects of the childhood obesity epidemic in the State of West Virginia in regards to sedentary lifestyle, poor nutrition and chronic diseases resulting from obesity; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2004, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.