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Feb. 9, 2006 — SENATOR LISTON DAVIS HAS PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE LAW TO PROVIDE FOR EDUCATION IN CHILDHOOD OBESITY TO BE INCLUDED IN SCHOOL HEALTH PROGRAM.
Senator Liston Davis, said that overweight and obesity have generated significant public concern both nationally and locally.
According to Senator Davis, until a few decades ago, people who were overweight were held to have a personal problem of eating too much and exercising too little.
"Now we know that obesity is more complicated and that those who find themselves in the category may need the assistance of psychotherapy, scientific diets or may even have to turn to surgery. On the whole, obesity extracts a heavy toll on any community in terms of social, health and economic costs," said Senator Liston Davis.
The Senator said he is particularly concerned about childhood obesity.
"Consequently, I have requested a Bill to be drafted that would include education in childhood obesity among the subjects of the School Health Program administered by the Department of Education in collaboration with the Department of Health," said Senator Liston A. Davis.