Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

Nearly a week after we posted "Report: R.I. 4th-lowest state in obese adults, but child rate fares worse," the Rhode Island Department of Health has issued its response.

"The good news is that overall, Rhode Island has seen some improvement in obesity rates; however, 1 in 5 Rhode Island adults is obese," said Director of Health David R. Gifford. "Unfortunately, we did not see an improvement in childhood obesity rates. It is critical to instill healthy eating habits and a desire to be physically active early in children's lives. Reducing childhood obesity plays a key role in preventing future health problems like diabetes, asthma, high cholesterol and high blood pressure."

The report calls for a national strategy to combat obesity that includes policy change, and according to the Health Department, it supported legislation this year to require restaurant menus to include a calorie count for all items on the menu.

"Connecticut and Massachusetts have passed menu labeling legislation," said Gifford. "It is time for Rhode Island to join its neighbors in this important public health effort."

Beginning in September 2009, all schools in the state will be required to implement nutrition standards in school lunch programs that exceed federal standards. In addition, by October 2012, all public schools will be required to implement a performance-based physical education program. The report recommends that states continue supporting improved access to healthy and affordable foods and assuring insurance coverage for nutrition and obesity counseling.

The news release further sites many "unhealthy trends in the state and in the country" that contribute to the obesity epidemic.

They include:

• Americans consume an average of 300 more calories a day than they did in 1984.


• Healthy foods cost more than unhealthy foods.


• Americans walk less and drive more.


• Parks and recreation spaces are not always safe or well maintained.


• Children watch more TV and play more video and computer games.

For information, call the department's Information Line at (401) 222-5960 or visit www.health.ri.gov/healthyweight/

 Tags  health obesity Rhode Island RI Department of Health

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