Requires public health information campaign about health risks associated with overweight and underweight children

Title of bill

An act to amend the public health law, in relation to directing the commissioner of health to disseminate education materials regarding overweight and underweight children

Summary of provisions

Section 2599-d of the Public Health Law is amended by section 88 of part B of chapter 58 of the Laws of 2005.

Justification

Currently, certain health certificates and tests are required by the Education Law. This bill provides that measurement of body mass index, and weight status category be added to the information that is required in the health certificate. This simple screening, which is extrapolated from the height and weight measurements of students, can be a critical tool in clearly identifying those students who are overweight, or at risk of becoming overweight, and can give both the child and parents a valuable frame of reference and a target to strive for. The bill requires the Department of Health to develop a uniform set of information that can be used by schools and health professionals across the state to ensure that both students, and parents of guardians of at-risk children are properly informed of the health risks their children face through either obesity or underweight.

Childhood obesity is a terrible and growing problem. Similarly, eating disorders which can lead to underweight also pose an unacceptable health risk that must be addressed more aggressively. It is estimated that 28% of New York high school children are overweight or at risk of becoming overweight. It is further estimated that 33% of low-income children between 2 and 5 years of age in New York are overweight or at risk of becoming overweight. Unfortunately, childhood obesity frequently leads to adult obesity, as well as the increased probability of such illnesses as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis and other diseases.

Identifying obesity, or the risk of becoming overweight, so that early preventative action can be taken, is important to the health of our young people. In most cases, this calculation will be made by the student's pediatrician or physician, as part of the regular exam that is currently required at regular intervals, and the Health Department has provided physicians across the state with a simple wheel chart to make this calculation at the time weight and height measurements are made. For students who have not provided a health certificate, the health appraisal that is offered pursuant to section 904 of the Education Law will also include this important health measurement. In either case, such measurement will be part of the regular confidential report that is provided by a health professional.

Legislative history

2005-06 - S.472-A - EDUCATION 2007-08 - A.7941 - Referred to Health

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

The first of September next succeeding the date upon which it shall have become law.