Childhood overweight and childhood obesity are major health problems in the United States, yet state physical activity laws do not reflect that. Only twenty-one states require by law that schools must provide a certain number of minutes and/or specified difficulty level of physical activity (Levi, Segal, Rayburn & Martin, 2015). Although Illinois requires daily physical education in schools, this does not guarantee that students are engaging in high-quality physical activity during that time (Illinois State Board of Education, 2015). If we want to keep our children healthy, more effective state laws regarding physical activity must be passed.
Childhood Overweight and Obesity are Problems
Childhood overweight means the individual has a body mass index (BMI) at or above the 85th percentile and below the 95th percentile. Childhood obesity means the individual has a BMI at or above the 95th percentile (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2015). In the United States, an alarming 31.8% of children are either overweight or obese (Levi et al., 2015). Childhood overweight and childhood obesity can lead to serious physical and mental health problems. There is a clear link between a lack of physical activity and being overweight or obese. The four states that rank highest in obesity rates also have the most adults who do not exercise (Levi et al., 2015). So let’s build exercise habits at a young age! Schools have the opportunity to play a key role in improving the physical activity habits of America’s youth. Physical activity can result in a wide range of positive outcomes, which include preventing health problems and improving academic performance. A recent research review reported eleven of fourteen studies found one or more significant positive associations between physical activity in school and academic performance (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2010).
Effects of Childhood Overweight and Childhood Obesity
– high cholesterol
– high blood pressure
– diabetes
– poor self-esteem
– depression
(Mayo Clinic, 2015)
Resistance to Physical Activity in Schools
With increasing pressure on students to perform well on standardized tests, more hours of the school day are focused on achieving that goal. Physical activity time in elementary schools has decreased by 35% (National Coalition for Promoting Physical Activity, 2009). When schools are not required by law to enforce physical activity, it is frequently replaced with more classroom time (Rochman, 2011). However, it is important that state policymakers consider the effects of physical activity in school.
Effects of Physical Activity
– can help prevent heart disease, cancer and strokes in adult life (Mayo Clinic, 2015)
– can create healthy habits that last a lifetime
– can improve academic achievement
– can improve cognitive skills (concentration, memory)
– can increase self-esteem
(U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2010, p. 28)
Making Physical Activity a Priority
Based on the effects of childhood overweight and childhood obesity and the effects of physical activity, it is critical that physical activity laws are enforced in each state. In order to help prevent serious health problems, all schools must make time for physical activity everyday. This can create healthy habits that last a lifetime. Children can establish a foundation for a healthy and successful future if physical activity is balanced with academic work during the school day.
Take Action
The rates of childhood overweight and childhood obesity can decrease if every state requires schools by law to enforce physical activity. State legislators can be the difference. With the power to make positive change in the lives of America’s youth and the future of our country, I am calling on state legislators to make physical activity a priority. Additionally, I am asking that community members promote and advocate for physical activity. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2015) calls on state policymakers and community members to:
* Create incentives for schools to enforce physical activity laws
* Give schools additional funding for hiring physical activity teachers
* Promote partnerships between communities and schools to help fund adequate gym space
* Offer a tax rebate to businesses that donate physical activity equipment
*Contact your state legislator about the importance of physical activity in schools
*Encourage children in your life to engage in physical activity
*Volunteer as a sports coach in your community