WASHINGTON, D.C. –  Today, Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11), with Congressmen Ron Kind (WI–4), Dave Reichert (WA-8), and Pat Tiberi (OH-12) introduced a resolution to designate September as “National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month.”   First introduced by Congresswoman Fudge in 2010, the resolution aims to spread awareness about the childhood obesity epidemic and encourages parents and families to take steps toward healthier lifestyles.

 

“Today, we see the first generation of children who will live sicker, shorter lives than their parents.  I find this alarming and unacceptable,” said Congresswoman Fudge. “As a nation, we must find a way to reverse this trend, provide healthy options for children and families, and improve wellness outcomes for future generations.  Our resolution reminds the nation: We all play a role in reducing childhood obesity; it is our responsibility to do everything we can to help America’s children live longer and healthier.”

 

“The statistics are alarming. Seventeen percent of all children and adolescents are obese. Those percentages are even higher in low-income and minority communities. Eighty percent of these children will carry their obesity into adulthood, bringing steep medical bills and, often times, other consequences with them,” said Congressman Reichert. “As co-founder of the Congressional Task Force on Childhood Obesity - and as a father and grandfather -  I feel strongly about the need to call attention to this issue and begin conversations about what we must do as a country to prepare younger generations to live healthy, happy, and productive lives.”

 

“With the rise of childhood obesity, one of the most important things we can do is put in place preventative measures to make sure our kids grow up to lead healthy, active lifestyles. As co-founder of the Childhood Obesity Task Force I look forward to working on programs to instill in our children healthy eating habits and promote physical activity,” said Congressman Kind.

 

“Our nation’s children should be living full, healthy and happy lives. That is why the work of our task force is so important as we help families and raise awareness of the dangers and risks of childhood obesity. I sincerely thank Representative Fudge and my colleagues for coming together to introduce this resolution,” said Congressman Tiberi.

 

Click here to read the resolution.

 

Click here to read more about the Congressional Task Force on Childhood Obesity.

 

###