HR0266enr 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0266 Enrolled LRB102 18280 LAW 25977 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION 266

WHEREAS, During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that the obesity rate of Americans has risen to above 40% for the first time and the rate of childhood obesity has risen to above 20%, especially in the age group of 13 to 18 year olds; this is especially important given that, despite the current pandemic, the leading cause of death in the United States remains cardiovascular disease, which is mostly caused by obesity and being overweight in correlation with the complications that arise from those symptoms; and

WHEREAS, Doctors have noted that one of the largest causes of obesity in Americans is a diet high in simple carbohydrates, and some of the most effective tactics to reduce obesity are to reduce the intake of added sugars, to consume a balanced diet, and to participate in an active lifestyle; and

WHEREAS, In 2010, to reduce calorie consumption and promote a healthier lifestyle among children and teens, America's leading beverage companies, in coordination with First Lady Michelle Obama, Congress, and federal officials, supported development of federal guidelines on school nutrition and beverage products sold in public schools; and

WHEREAS, These guidelines were largely included in the 2010 Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act and set a standard to remove full-calorie soft drinks and replace them with lower calorie, smaller portion options to reduce the availability of sweetened beverages; and

WHEREAS, A study published in 2020, led by researchers at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, found that the percentage of children who were heavy consumers of sugar-sweetened beverages declined from 11% to 3% between 2003 and 2016; and

WHEREAS, The percentage of adults who consumed such beverages dropped from 13% to 9% during that period; this was due, in part, to successful policy implementation that educated consumers about the effect of too much added sugar in diets and new guidelines that restricted children's access to foods and beverages with added sugars; and

WHEREAS, The welfare of children is an enormous responsibility, and the State of Illinois must continue to work towards ensuring the lives and health of its children are protected; therefore be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that in light of three decades of sustained progress in reducing the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, state officials, in partnership with school districts and organizations in the public and private sectors, are urged to continue to adhere to and enforce the beverage standards included in the Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act of 2010; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we urge the General Assembly to continue to monitor the impact of sugar from all sources on the State's residents; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we urge everyone to make healthy choices in their respective diets; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be delivered to Kate Wexell.