HR0139 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0139 LRB099 09707 MST 29916 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate First Lady Michelle Obama on her success in leading the charge against childhood obesity; and

WHEREAS, Federal health authorities reported a 43% drop in the obesity rate among 2 to 5-year-old children in the past decade - the first broad decline in an epidemic that often leads to life-long struggles with weight, along with higher risks for cancer, heart disease, and stroke; approximately 8% of 2 to 5-year-olds were obese in 2012 - down from 14% in 2004; and

WHEREAS, Children now consume fewer calories from sugary beverages than they did in 1999; more women are breast-feeding, which can lead to a healthier range of weight gain for young children; and research has chronicled a drop in overall calorie intake for children in the past decade; and

WHEREAS, First Lady Michelle Obama has led a push to change young children's eating and exercise habits and 10,000 child care centers across the country have signed on; she remarked that she was "...thrilled at the progress we've made over the last few years in obesity rates among our youngest Americans."; and

WHEREAS, The decline in the childhood obesity rate should be viewed as just the start of a sustained campaign to improve the health and well-being of children and not as a conclusion to it; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate First Lady Michelle Obama on her success in leading the charge against childhood obesity; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to First Lady Michelle Obama as an expression of our esteem and respect.