It's no secret the country has an obesity problem. But Ohio is taking steps to change that, starting with children. Senate Bill 210, which goes into effect Sept. 17, is aimed at addressing a growing need.
"All the research shows that more than 70 percent of overweight kids become overweight adults, so the childhood obesity doesn't go away," said Dr. A. Shayesteh, weight loss specialist. "It continues through the adult life, so that is why it's so critical that we do the intervention as soon as possible."
This bill places tough restrictions on beverages in schools and vending machines from kindergarten to 12th grade, even banning the sale of some items.
"The food that you're serving in schools is extremely high in calories and vary in nutritional value, and some of the school lunches are already hitting 1,000 calories," said Shayesteh. "That's just a huge amount of calories."
The bill requires better teaching of nutrition and physical activity benefits and requires schools to calculate the body mass index, or BMI, of its students. Schools then report the results to the state. Some districts worry about the costs of the bill.
"Senate Bill 210 is a wonderful way to promote healthy lifestyles with children," said Lakeview School District Nurse Coordinator Maureen Paczak. "However, we have to see if we are logistically able to do it."
There is an option to opt out of some parts of the bill because of cost, but schools like Lakeview already have creative programs in place to promote eating healthy and can build from there.
"We designate one week in May, and for every fruit or vegetable that is eaten by a student, he or she will receive a ticket that will go in a drawing at the end of the week for a new bicycle," said Paczak.
