More Resources FDA Report on Obesity

U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige issued the following statement on the report released today by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on addressing the nation's obesity problem. The report, Calories Count: Report of the Working Group on Obesity, outlines an action plan to combat obesity, including obesity in America's young people.

"The FDA's report sheds light on the fastest-growing cause of disease and death in America and what we can do about it. I am troubled that 15 percent of children and adolescents in the United States are overweight. It is imperative that our young people develop healthy eating habits early in order to make them less susceptible to obesity-related health problems such as heart disease, hypertension and type II diabetes when they are adults.

"Because of these health risks, we must do a better job of educating our children about healthy eating habits and encourage them to increase their physical activity. Children should be encouraged to be physically active for at least 60 minutes a day. In addition to sports, simple things like taking the stairs, riding a bike and just playing outside would help prevent and combat obesity. Parents can also be role models for their children by being physically active themselves. We can't expect our children to 'do as we say' if we don't act accordingly.

"While No Child Left Behind (NCLB) puts the focus on academics—where it should be—I am disturbed by reports I hear about schools doing away with recess and sports. NCLB certainly does not encourage these kinds of severe measures. Studies show that dedicating increased time to physical activity during the school day does not detract from academics; on the contrary, it in fact improves academic performance. Physical activity also increases adolescents' self-esteem as well as their physical and mental health. It's also just common sense: children can't learn when they are listless."

In 2003, the U.S. Department of Education awarded 256 grants totaling $59 million under the Carol M. White Physical Education Program to help schools and communities initiate, expand or improve physical education programs. In 2004, that amount increased to $69 million. This program supports President Bush's Healthier U.S. Initiative to encourage students to be physically active every day and follow a nutritious diet.

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