Posted 02/02/2007

South Carolina receives top grade on its efforts to combat childhood obesity

South Carolina’s efforts to combat childhood obesity have earned an “A” on a report card of state government initiatives to deal with what has been described as a national crisis.

An annual report by the University of Baltimore Obesity Initiative singled out the Palmetto State, together with California, Illinois, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Tennessee, for legislative and public-policy work in the past year to control obesity in children.

Only California, New York and Tennessee – earned the same grade for their efforts across all populations. South Carolina earned a “B” on its efforts across all populations.

South Carolina has an adult obesity rate of 26.2 percent, ranking it the 8th heaviest in the nation, according the Trust for America's Health

The number of states taking steps to control the problem is climbing quickly according to the report, helping to chip away at the $130 billion in direct medical costs caused by obesity each year.

Dr. Russ Pate, a professor in the Arnold School of Public Health’s Department of Exercise Science, said passage and implementation of the Students Health and Fitness Act is largely responsible for S.C.’s ranking on childhood obesity.

“This important legislation is increasing the number of physical education teachers in elementary schools and is making important changes in the school nutrition environment in schools across South Carolina,” said Pate.

“While more initiatives will be needed to successfully attack this huge problem, I am proud South Carolina has taken some important initial steps,” he said.

Physicians and researchers are concerned because obesity can cause major health problems, such as heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.

Researchers found obese youngsters tend to have at least one additional risk factor for heart problems later in life, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

Kids who are overweight are also at greater risk for joint problems, poor self-esteem -- even sleep apnea. Taken together, these illnesses shorten life spans, diminish quality of life and put a tremendous burden on the public health system.

The legislature approved the Students Health and Fitness Act in June 2005 and pledged $66 million to begin implementing its provisions over the next three years. Among its key provisions are:

PHYSICAL EDUCATION:

• The legislature pledged $23 million over three years for an additional 250 physical education teachers statewide so elementary schools can boost physical activity time.

• Starting in 2006-07, elementary students must have 60 minutes of physical education and 90 minutes of physical activity weekly.

• Starting in 2008-09, elementary students must have 90 minutes of physical education and 60 minutes of physical activity weekly.

• Parents must receive fitness reports for students in fifth and eighth grades and once during high school.

• Schools must appoint a physical activity director to coordinate physical activities.

• Student-teacher ratio for physical education must be 700-to-1 in 2006-07, 600-to-1 in 2007-08; and 500-to-1 in 2008-09.

• A sampling of students in grades two, five and eight plus high school students, will take the South Carolina Physical Education Assessment to measure achievement of state physical education standards and program effectiveness every three years. Results will be included on district and school report cards.

SCHOOL NURSES

• Ensure every elementary school has a licensed school nurse. The General Assembly pledged $19 million annually to help elementary schools fund nurses starting in 2007-08.

NUTRITION STANDARDS

• Districts must include a school health improvement plan in their strategic plans.

• School boards must develop policies to limit vending sales and other sales of "minimal nutritional items" in elementary school.

• Elementary schools must ensure that students have at least 20 minutes to eat lunch once it is served.