The Threat From Within

These findings are consistent with a recent article published in the Journal of Pediatrics. Dr. Jennifer Miller and her colleagues reported that kids with early-onset morbid obesity had significantly lower cognitive function and more behavioral problems than those with no history of childhood obesity due to abnormal hormones and metabolism found in obese kids.

What can we do?

As Margaret Mead once wrote, "Never underestimate the power of a small group of committed people to change the world. In fact, it is the only thing that ever has." We need an uprising of concerned parents and other citizens to call their members of Congress. We need 50 states to mandate physical education in K-8 schools, not just one state. Also, we need to revise the No Child Left Behind act to incentivize rather than disincentivize regular physical education in schools.

You can also contact your state legislators, which tend to respond if they hear from enough concerned parents. For example, in California, where I live, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's 2006-07 budget designated $500 million for physical education and the arts. Given the economic and health consequences of childhood obesity, as well as the continued rise in health-care costs, this is a wise investment in our most important national resource: our children. It's time to tell our legislators to start exercising ... good judgment.

© 2007