Thursday, June 14, 2007
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Bill aims to tackle eating disorders, obesity among youths
Rep. Mary Bono, R-Palm Springs, announced a new bill Wednesday meant to address obesity and eating disorders among the nation's youths.
Flanked by more than 100 Girl Scouts in Washington, D.C., Bono said the Improved Nutrition and Physical Activity Act (IMPACT) challenges the notion that "obesity is now the new normal."
The bill, formally introduced late Wednesday on the House floor, is similar to bills that have failed in recent years, but Bono said she is optimistic that the new version will fare better.
"The awareness (of the problem) on a national level continues to grow," Bono said.
She said the bill addresses concerns about whether the federal government is the proper entity to reverse trends toward obesity and eating disorders in children.
"You can't legislate health," Bono acknowledged. But she said the bill contains tools -- ideas and incentives -- that will help communities and the private sector address the millions of children struggling with weight issues, anorexia and bulimia.
If funded at the requested amount of $70 million for the next fiscal year, the bill would provide grants to train health professionals and students how to identify and treat obesity and eating disorders, as well as aid those suffering from the conditions.
A large portion of the money would go to community programs that promote physical activity and healthy eating habits.
The Girl Scouts, gathered in Washington as part of the organization's 95th anniversary, met with Bono and other lawmakers on Capitol Hill as part of their Congressional Advocacy Day.
The Bono bill is co-sponsored by Reps. Nita Lowey, D-N.Y.; Kay Granger, R-Texas; and Jim Ramstad, R-Minn.
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