SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 29

(By Senators Prezioso, Unger, Jenkins, Edgell, Plymale, McCabe and Rowe)


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

Whereas, The prevalence of obesity has increased sharply among American adolescents and children since its recognition as a national health risk nearly a half century ago; and

Whereas, According to the Department of Health and Human Resources, 40 percent of children in West Virginia are either overweight or obese; and

Whereas, Twenty-two percent of middle and high school students ages 12 to 18 years report that they engage in little or no strenuous physical activity, with even higher percentages having high-fat diets; and

Whereas, Among school-age children, 18 percent report eating five servings of fruit and vegetables daily; and

Whereas, 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 40 percent of students being able to pass the President's Physical Fitness Challenge; and

Whereas, 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 and increases stress on weight-bearing joints; and
Whereas, The harmful effects of obesity, its multiplicity of causes, its persistence from childhood into adulthood and the scarcity of successful treatment options indicate a need for increased attention to the prevention of excessive weight gain starting as early in life as possible; and

Whereas, 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

Whereas, Reversing 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 childhood obesity epidemic in West Virginia with regard to chronic diseases, poor nutrition and inadequate exercise; 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.