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.
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