Childhood Obesity Weekly Childhood Update
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Federal
Rep. Phil Roe, R-Tenn., has introduced a bill that would restrict the foods that are eligible to purchase with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Under the bill, SNAP benefits could generally only be used for items that meet the nutrition standards set forth by the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program. Among the exclusions would be sugary drinks and candy.
FDA Survey Finds Most Americans Use Nutrition Facts Panel
Seventy-seven percent of adults reported using the Nutrition Facts Panel on food products, with half using it “always” or “most of the time,” according to a survey from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A 2014 proposed rule from FDA to update the Nutrition Facts panel would include a more prominent listing of total calories, adjustment of serving sizes, and a line to reflect “added sugar” totals.
State and Local
Healthy Boulder Kids has submitted a proposal for a ballot referendum to impose a two cents-per-ounce excise tax ono soda and other sugary drinks in Boulder, Colo. If the ballot language is certified by the city clerk’s office and the coalition collects signatures from ten percent of registered voters in the city by June 28, the proposed tax will be put before voters in November.
FROM THE FIELD
High Infant BMI Linked to Elevated Obesity Risk in Early Childhood
Babies with a high body mass index (BMI) at age two months are at greater risk for obesity at two years, according to a study published in Pediatrics. Researchers also concluded that BMI predicts early childhood obesity more effectively than the current standard used by pediatricians, known as weight-for-length.
ARTICLES OF INTEREST
Diet Soda Mixed with Pregnancy Might be a Recipe for Childhood Obesity, Study Suggests
Los Angeles Times, Karen Kaplan, 5/9/16
A new study of more than 3,000 Canadian children and their mothers finds a strong link between the amount of artificially sweetened beverages the women drank during pregnancy and the body mass index of their babies.
The Atlantic, Gail Cornwall, 4/29/16
The need for open space can be dire in dense urban environments, especially amid an epidemic of obesity.
Upcoming Events
Project Play Summit
May 17th, 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Knight Conference Center at the Newseum
Washington, D.C.Hosted by the Aspen Institute, this summit will explore progress and new initiatives on expanding opportunities for children to play. Speakers will include RWJF President and CEO Risa Lavizzo-Mourey. Register for the summit.
Building a Healthier Future Summit
May 18th - 20th , 2016
Renaissance Downtown HotelHosted by the Partnership for a Healthier America, this summit brings together public, private and nonprofit organizations taking steps to reduce childhood obesity. Register for the summit.