Resolution Year 2004
Resolution Number 3:
Childhood Obesity
Whereas, A new study by the HHS’ Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that poor diet and inactivity are about to become the leading preventable cause of death among Americans, causing close to 400,000 deaths annually; and
Whereas, the American Dietetic Association has stated that 50% of all children aged 2 to 18 years eat less than one serving of fruit a day; and
Whereas, educators agree that teaching healthy eating and exercise habits in early childhood will encourage healthier lifestyles in adulthood and research has shown that lifelong eating habits and tastes are learned in infancy; and
Whereas, on March 12, 2004, HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson unveiled FDA’s strategy to help reduce obesity with an overall plan, but one that does not target children and adolescents, who are at greater risk of health related problems concerning the likelihood that obesity will be carried into adulthood; and
Whereas, an effective educational program for children and adolescents is needed and should focus on such areas as:
• School officials helping to educate and encourage healthier meal choices.
• Education campaigns to teach portion control and a more balanced diet.
• Education on the types and range of foods that promote the above.
• Networking with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to encourage manufacturers to design advertising campaigns geared to children to promote healthier choices.
• Encouragement of physical activities like sports participation, walking, biking, and the discouragement of “couch-potato/computer game” lifestyles.
Resolved, that CASA express strong concern to AFDO regarding the alarming obesity problem in this country, with its’ many associated serious health problems, and ask AFDO to concur and to convey our mutual feelings to FDA and USDA; and be it further
Resolved, that CASA request AFDO to urge FDA and USDA to assign a high priority to the specific problem of obesity in children and to the rapid development of a comprehensive educational program covering infants to adolescents.
