WASHINGTON, DC – August 5, 2010 – “With approximately one-third of all cancer deaths attributable to poor diet, physical inactivity, and overweight and obesity, a nationwide strategy to improve nutrition and physical activity in children could not be more important. The Senate’s bipartisan passage today of the Child Nutrition Reauthorization legislation brings us one step closer to addressing poor nutrition, physical inactivity and obesity in our nation’s children.
“We know that 14 to 20 percent of cancer deaths in the United States each year can be attributed to overweight and obesity, and that being overweight increases the risk for cancer recurrence and decreases the likelihood of survival for many cancers. The prevalence of obesity in this country has more than doubled in the past 25 years, and more than one-third of adults – over 72 million people – are currently obese.
“Obesity among adolescents has tripled over the past three decades. Because overweight and obese children are more likely to be overweight or obese as adults, efforts to establish healthy body weight patterns should begin in childhood.
“ACS CAN is committed to promoting disease prevention, including good nutrition, for all Americans in all sectors of society. ACS CAN supports the reauthorization of the Child Nutrition Act, as well as other initiatives that promote healthy living for children, support the need to update nutrition standards outside of school meals programs and place a stronger emphasis on physical education and health.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Christina Saull
(202) 585-3250
[email protected]
Steven Weiss
(202) 661-5711
[email protected]