To: J.

Randy Forbes
From: Sarah Rankin
Date: October 17, 2016
Subject: H.R.3772 Stop Obesity in Schools Act of 2015
Childhood obesity is a major public health crisis both nationally and internationally. In recent
years many campaigns have come about to help combat the childhood obesity epidemic,
examples include Play 60 from the NFL and Michelle Obamas Lets Move campaign.
While these campaigns are wonderful we still have an epidemic on our hands in the United
States that doesnt seem to be slowing down. Over the last 30 years childhood obesity has more
than doubled in children and quadrupled in adolescents (Ogden, Carroll, Kit, & Flegal, 2014). I
support H.R. 3772 the Stop Obesity in Schools Act of 2015 because obesity is a preventable
disease that should not be affecting the youth of America the way it is today.
Childhood obesity can have a harmful effect on the body in a variety of ways, the health
consequences of obesity are not just current, but can have a great affect on long term health as
well. Children who are obese are at a greater risk for:
High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and elevated blood sugar levels which can lead to
diabetes. These risk factors put the children at a much higher risk for the development of
cardiovascular disease early in life (Freedman, Srinivasan, Valdez, Williamson, &
Berenson, 1997).
Joint and musculoskeletal problems
Breathing problems like asthma and sleep apnea
Psychological problems including depression, low self-esteem and issues at school
(Obesity Society, 2016).

Recommendations: Vote to pass bill H.R. 3772 Stop Obesity in Schools Act of 2015. As you
can see this is a major health problem that is affecting our country now and it will also greatly
affect us when these children grow up. It has been shown that children who are obese are more
likely to be obese adults (Freedman et al, 1997). Because children spend most of their time at
school, a great way to educate them about healthy habits is through school programs funded by
the government.
If we as a country do not do something to stop the epidemic of childhood obesity, our childrens
and countrys future will not be very bright. This is why I believe we should pass H.R. 3772 Stop
Obesity in School Act of 2015
 References

Freeman, D.S., Srinivasan, S.R., Valdez, R.A, Williamson, D.F., & Berenson, G.S.(1997).
Secular increase in relative weight and diposity among children over two decades: The
Bogalusa Heart study. Pediatrics, 99. pp 420-426.

Obesity Society (2016). Facts about childhood obesity. Retrieved from

http://www.obesity.org/obesity/resources/facts-about-obesity/childhood-overweight

Ogden, C.L., Carroll, M.D., Kit, B.K., & Flegal, K.M. (2014). Prevalence of childhood obesity
and adult obesity in the United States 2011-2012. Journal of the American Medical
Association, 311(8). pp 806-814