Authorizing the Committee on Public Health and Human Services to hold hearings on the dramatic increase in childhood obesity nationally and locally, and to evaluate and make recommendations on the actions that local government, in conjunction with public and private partners, can take to help reduce and eliminate this public health epidemic.

WHEREAS

, In testimony before a congressional committee in 2003, U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona stated that there is an "obesity crisis in America" calling it the "fastest-growing cause of death and disease;" and

WHEREAS

, According to the U.S. Surgeon General's Office, nearly two out of every three Americans are overweight or obese; and, one out of every eight deaths in America is caused by an illness directly related to being overweight or obese; and

WHEREAS

, In 2000, the total annual cost of obesity in America was $117 billion; and

WHEREAS

, On a local level, it is estimated that obesity costs the City of Philadelphia approximately $1.1 billion each year due to increased medical costs, workers' compensation, and lost productivity; and

WHEREAS

, An unprecedented number of children are carrying excess body weight which significantly increases their risk factors for a range of health problems, including: diabetes, heart disease, asthma, and emotional and mental health problems; and

WHEREAS

, Health studies indicate that four out of five overweight kids grow up to become obese adults; thus, fighting childhood obesity may be the most effective way of curtailing this national epidemic; and

WHEREAS

, The three actions that help reduce and eliminate childhood obesity are increasing physical activity, instilling healthier eating habits, and improving health literacy; and

WHEREAS

, There are many actions that local government can take in partnership with the public and private school system, hospitals and health care providers, and the food, sports and leisure industry to address these factors and promote healthier outcomes in our children; now therefore

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA

, That the Committee on Public Health and Human Services is authorized to hold hearings on the dramatic increase in childhood obesity nationally and locally, and to evaluate and make recommendations on the actions that local government, in conjunction with public and private partners, can take to help reduce and eliminate this public health epidemic.

End