PIC Current

by Jessica Mendoza, PIC Current Contributor, Beehive Producer  

Unemployment isn’t the only thing on the rise; obesity rates are, too. 

In fact, obesity rates have been steadily rising for the past four decades, and it’s not getting any better. According to recent data collected by the National Center for Education Statistics, nearly 1 in 5 American 4-year-olds are obese, with children of color at higher risk. American-Indians, for example, had the highest rates, with nearly 1 in 3 4-year-olds obese.  Hispanic and black children are also at higher risk. 

It’s a problem. Unheard of before, obese children are now developing diseases that were previously only seen in adults, such as Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. They may also face emotional issues, such as low self-esteem or depression. 

No Child Left Behind . . . in the Gym?

Undoubtedly, there are multiple reasons for the increases in childhood obesity rates. Children today live in a world of sugar-filled soda, calorie-laden French fries, countless hours of video games and TV, and less time exercising. Even schools, once teeming with recess and Physical Education (PE), have less time and funding devoted to keeping kids fit. 

Some say the No Child Left Behind Act is partly to blame. The Act, passed in 2001, requires all public schools to administer annual state-wide standardized tests in math, reading and science to students. If a school scores well on the standardized tests, it will be rewarded with increased federal funding. 

With this incentive to score well, schools have increased class time needed to prepare for those tests. The increased emphasis on the core subjects of reading, math and science has led to a decreased emphasis on electives like music, art and PE. Consequently, budget cuts due to this hurting economy often hit these electives the hardest. 

Is PE a Thing of the Past?

The National Association for Sport and Physical Education recommends that elementary-aged students get 150 minutes of PE per week. However, making physical education mandatory is up to each individual state school district. 

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that 22 percent of schools don’t require students to take any PE. Moreover, only 3.8 percent of elementary schools, 7.9 percent of middle schools and 2.1 percent of high schools provide daily PE classes.

To make matters worse, most children do not participate in any organized physical activity outside of school, either. 

Alarmed by the rising rates of childhood obesity, some schools have adopted mandates requiring additional time for PE. However, without additional funding, many of these schools are still not able to meet the requirement. In California, less than half the elementary schools are meeting the mandated PE time. And what are the consequences for not meeting the requirement? Nothing. 

Yet, PE may not necessarily be a thing of the past. Just last month, several members of Congress called for passage of the FIT Kids Act, a bill that would amend No Child Left Behind to add PE as a core subject and require schools to report on their PE programs. It’s still unclear where schools would get the funding they need. 

In the meantime, make your children’s health a priority in your home:

• Watch our documentary on Childhood Obesity on the Public Internet Channel
• Visit our sister site, the Beehive, for tips on eating right and staying fit.
• Find out how to calculate your child’s Body Mass Index (BMI).
• Learn more about obesity in children and teens.
   

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