Childhood obesity is one of our nation’s most challenging health threats. One in three children and adolescents are considered obese or overweight and an increasing number are being treated for abnormal cholesterol and hypertension, risk factors for heart disease. The prevention of childhood obesity will remain a critical focus for the American Heart Association as an integral part of achieving our 2020 impact goal.
The association supports the expansion of the following comprehensive federal, state and local policies that reach kids where they live, learn, and play.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY INITATIVES
- Change the built environment to promote active living including the creation of safe walking and biking routes in communities nationwide through the Safe Routes to Schools program.
- Pass the U.S. Senate’s Elementary and Secondary Education Act, to establish Successful, Safe and Healthy Students State for quality physical education programs in schools.
- Implement minimum standards for physical education in schools through state polices to ensure that every child has the opportunity to be physically active.
- Expand the use of public school recreational facilities outside of school hours to benefit communities.
- Implement the federal Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act to enhance wellness policies and improve nutrition standards for all foods and beverages sold during school hours.
- Reduce the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages through effective pricing policies and limited access.
- Strengthen state nutrition policy guidelines for foods and beverages sold in schools.
- Utilize Body Mass Index surveillance and assessments in schools.
- Eliminate food deserts and improve access to fruits and vegetables.
- Release the Interagency Working Group on Food Marketed to Children voluntary guidelines which recommend best practices on food advertising and marketing.
- Improve treatment of childhood obesity in healthcare settings by educating and empowering providers to help fulfill their role in addressing children’s health.
- Institute obesity prevention and health promotion in child care settings.
- Support the implementation of pilot programs created through the Healthy Kids from Day One Act.
