SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 79
(By Senators Prezioso, McCabe, Caldwell, Jenkins and Rowe)
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the
childhood obesity epidemic in West Virginia.
Whereas, The prevalence of obesity has increased sharply among
American children and adolescents 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 report that they engage in little or no strenuous
physical activity, with an even higher percentage having high-fat
diets; 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. Less than 40 percent of students are able to
pass the President's Physical Fitness Test; and
Whereas, Among school-age children, only 18 percent report
eating five servings of fruit and vegetables daily; 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
onset diabetes), increases the risk of coronary heart disease and
increases stress on the weight-bearing joints; and
Whereas, The deleterious effects of obesity on chronic disease
risks, its multiplicity of causes, its persistence from childhood
into adulthood, the paucity of successful treatment options and the
complexities of treatment guidelines all argue for increased
attention to the healthy 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, family education,
physical activity, healthy nutrition, behavior modification, public
health resources and policy development; and
Whereas, 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 childhood obesity epidemic in West Virginia;
and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2005, 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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