Education Committee Aims To Stop Childhood Obesity

On Monday, the education committee endorsed a bill that would restrict drinks that contain artificial or natural sweeteners from being served in the state-funded child care centers. The main purpose of the movement is to stop the growing problem of childhood obesity.

"We've reached a point in our society where it is so important for us to approach this," Toni Boucher, a ranking member of the education committee said via Hartford Courant. "What a young child ingests will be really telling for their future health."

John Cattelan, executive director of the Connecticut Alliance of YMCA, said childhood obesity can lead beyond poor health. Moreover, he added that obese children can become a target of bullying.

Solution To Stop Childhood Obesity

As for State Senator Gary Winfield, he said the best way to stop childhood obesity is to provide the healthiest food options for the students. He said when the government allows additives and other unhealthy substances to penetrate in the school, "then the government also has a responsibility towards our children who are the most vulnerable," he added to WTHN news.

The education committee also passed a bill that would require kids to stay active after schools. It is requiring elementary students to exercise at least 20 minutes a day. However, the legislators are still discussing the bill.

Cattelan said the legislators are still divided as of the moment as they have some concerns regarding the bill that requires the students to exercise daily. Nevertheless, he is looking forward that the legislators will understand that the childhood obesity needs to be suppressed.

41 Million Children Under Age Five Are Obese

In a report issued by Daily Star, it revealed that the number of obese children worldwide has risen to 10 million since 1990. Currently, at least, 41 million children under the age of five are overweight. The statistic prompted the World Health Organization to call for tighter regulations.