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Childhood Obesity & State Initiatives

Issue
Children in Mississippi suffer from an alarming rate of overweight that continues to rise. Overweight children miss significantly more school days and perform less well academically than normal weight children.  Risk factors for heart disease (such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure) and type 2 diabetes occur more frequently in overweight children and adolescents.  In the past ten years there has been a dramatic increase in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in adolescents.

Research indicates that overweight adolescents have a 70% chance of becoming overweight or obese adults. The percentage of children found to be overweight is higher when data are collected through measured heights and weights than through self-reports. Many times, parents of overweight children are unaware that their child is overweight.

In addition to the health consequences, there are risks of developing potentially life-threatening psychological problems as well, such as depression, eating disorders, discrimination and stigmatization, negative self image, and passivity and withdrawal from peers.

Perceptions of mississippi adults

About 95 percent of adult Mississippians think that childhood obesity is a serious problem in Mississippi, according to a recent survey conducted by researchers at the College of Health at the University of Southern Mississippi (USM).  In addition, Mississippi adults show stronger support for public policies to address the problem than adults nationwide.   For example, Mississippians were more favorable to the following:

• To the government playing a significant role in reducing child obesity
• To laws limiting vending machines in elementary, middle, and high schools
• To a law requiring BMI assessments for children in schools

• To a law requiring 30 minutes of physical activity in school

The Center for Mississippi Health Policy has prepared an Issue Brief summarizing the results of the survey.  More detailed information can be found in the Research Highlights or full Report from USM.

public policy in other states

In 2005, legislation was introduced in 45 states to address the increasing rate of obesity among children.  In 2006, at least 23 states considered legislation relating to school nutrition standards and 34 states reviewed bills to enhance physical education requirements.  States have also taken similar action through regulation and policy.  The most common actions include the following:

• Prohibit access to vending machines and school stores in elementary schools;
• Conduct annual assessments of students’ height, weight, and Body Mass Index (BMI) and report results to parents;
• Involve and educate parents and communities;
• Provide effective nutrition education and integrate it into the curriculum; and
• Establish minimum time and frequency requirements for physical education.

 In 2003, the Arkansas Legislature passed significant legislation that implemented a comprehensive initiative to reduce and prevent overweight among children.  Data collected in subsequent school years indicate that Arkansas may have halted the increase in the prevalence of overweight children.

Mississippi Legislation

SB 2369, the Mississippi Healthy Students Act, which was enacted by the Legislature during the 2007 Regular Session, includes the following provisions:

• mandates minimum requirements for health education and physical education in public schools;
• requires local school wellness plans to promote increased physical activity, healthy eating habits, and abstinence from tobacco and illegal drugs;
• designates an appropriation for a physical activity coordinator at the State Department of Education;
• makes the statutory duties of local school health councils mandatory rather than permissive;
• directs the State Board of Education to adopt regulations that address healthy food & beverage choices, healthy food preparation, marketing of healthy food choices to students & staff, food preparation ingredients & products, minimum & maximum time allotments for lunch & breakfast periods, the availability of food items during lunch & breakfast periods, and methods to increase participation in the Child Nutrition School Breakfast & Lunch Programs; and
• provides for the appointment of an advisory committee to advise the State Board of Education in developing these regulations.

The advisory committee has been appointed and is composed of the following members:

The advisory committee held its first meeting on May 16, 2007 and must make its recommendations to the State Board of Education by October 15, 2007.

Summary

Childhood obesity is a critical health issue throughout the country and continues to have significant negative impacts in the State of Mississippi.  Mississippians and policy makers recognize this and support public policies to address the problem.  At least one state, Arkansas, has demonstrated that comprehensive action can halt the rise in child obesity rates.   As policymakers consider strengthening policies and programs designed to battle obesity in children, they should find much support from the general public for these efforts.

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