WASHINGTON, DC-- Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) today introduced House Resolution 339 designating September 2011 as National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month:

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"This is the first generation in the history of our nation to be so unhealthy that their lifespan will be shorter than that of their parents. By not raising awareness and taking steps to reduce obesity, we are securing this fate for our young people," said Congresswoman Fudge.

Over the past four decades, obesity rates have soared among all age groups, increasing more than fourfold among children ages 6 to 11. Twenty-three million children and teenagers, 31%,

are obese or overweight, a rate that health experts consider an epidemic. More than 36% of Cleveland teens in the 9th through 12th grades are obese or overweight compared to nearly 29% in the U.S. for similar age groups. Eighty-four percent of Cleveland’s 9th through 12th graders reported not attending physical education classes daily (74% in Ohio and 70% in the U.S.).

“I introduced the measure last year, which passed the House with overwhelming bi-partisan support, designating September 2010 as the first Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. In Ohio and around the nation during the month of September, parents, schools, and health care providers promoted fitness and nutrition for our kids, yet so much more needs to be done. Awareness month is an important step in looking at ways to combat this epidemic and I will continue the momentum this year as I reintroduce the resolution," said Congresswoman Fudge.

Additionally, the financial implications of childhood obesity pose a significant threat to our economy and health care system, carrying up to $14 billion per year in direct costs. Americans spend about 9 percent of their total medical costs on obesity related illnesses. 

"My goal is to eradicate childhood obesity in one generation, so we are able to give our children the opportunity to pursue healthy, productive lives. By promoting nutrition education and regular fitness, we can reach this goal."

Resolution Sponsor:

Rep. Granger, Kay

Resolution Original Cosponsors:

Rep. Christensen, Donna

Rep. Reyes, Sylvester

Rep. Serrano, José 

Rep. Schakowsky, Janice

Rep. Roybal-Allard, Lucille

Rep. Polis, Jared

Rep. Braley, Bruce

Rep. Clarke, Yvette D.

Rep. Gonzalez, Charles A.

Rep. Grijalva

Rep. Jackson, Jesse Jr.

Rep. Moore, Gwen

Rep. Moran, James P.

Rep. Norton, Eleanor Holmes

Rep. Sewell, Terri

Rep. Rangel, Charles

Supporting Organizations:

American College of Sports Medicine

International Association for Worksite Health Promotion (IAWHP)

American Diabetes Association

American Heart Association

American Society of Bariatric Physicians

American Society of Landscape Architects

American Society for Nutrition

Black Women's Health Imperative

Center for Science in the Public Interest

COSHAR Foundation

Health Care Leadership Council

Medical Fitness Association

National Association for Sport and Physical Education

National Football League (NFL) Players Association

National Latina Health Network

National Recreation and Park Association

Richard Simmons' Ask America PE Crusade

Safe Routes to School

ShapeUp America!

The Obesity Society

Trust for America's Health

University Hospitals

Voices for America's Children

Healthcorps

Campaign to End Obesity Action Fund

National Association of Chronic Disease Directors

American Sleep Apnea Association

Obesity Action Coalition

American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery

Grocery Manufacturers Association

Clinical Exercise Physiology Association

HealthTeacher

American Association for Physical Activity and Recreation

Latino Infant Nutrition Initiative

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