Senator Kearney Weighs In on Report on Childhood Obesity in Ohio

Columbus –Today, Senate Democratic Leader Eric H. Kearney expressed disappointment with the Ohio Department of Health’s recent study of the body mass index (BMI) for Ohio’s school children. The report shows that nearly 35% of students who participated in the study were overweight or obese. The report also reflects:

·        The highest percentage of overweight/obesity was found among 9^th graders.

·        Kindergarteners represented the highest percentage of underweight students (3.7%).

·        The average BMI percentile increased with increasing grade level, with 9^th graders having the highest average BMI percentile (68.4%).

“It is disappointing to know that more than one in three participating students were overweight or obese,” said Senator Kearney. “It is even more disheartening to know that approximately 686 educational institutions chose not to provide data or opted out of the program. Children throughout the state of Ohio deserve better and it is up to us as parents and community leaders to ensure that they have the best in quality healthcare to assist in early identification of risks, provide healthier food options, and encourage physical activity.”

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measurement used to asses if a person is obese, overweight, normal weight or underweight. BMI is a number that is calculated using the height and weight of an individual and is a better assessment of excess body fat than weight alone. Additionally, BMI is an inexpensive and easy-to-perform method of screening children for weight categories that may lead to health problems.

Senate Bill 210, The Healthy Choices for Healthy Children (HCHC) Act sponsored by Senator Kearney and signed into law in September 2010 requires the Ohio Department of Health to establish a body mass index (BMI) and weight status category screening program for students in kindergarten (K) and grades 3,5, and 9. Other provisions include increasing students’ physical activity and ensuring access to healthy meals and beverages at school.

“These results reinforce the need for developing healthier choices for healthier children,” said Senator Kearney. “I hope that this will lead to stronger dialogue between families, schools and healthcare providers. I agree wholeheartedly with the recommendations from the Ohio Department of Health that our top priority should be to encourage all students, school districts, and chartered nonpublic schools to participate in the BMI screenings in the future. Continuous participate in this program will assist parents and community organizations in developing viable solutions to decrease the obesity rates of our children.”

Full Report of the Ohio Department of Health BMI Screening Results