[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 95 (Thursday, July 14, 2005)]
[House]
[Page H5806]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   REDUCING HEALTH RISKS FROM OBESITY

  (Mr. MURPHY asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. MURPHY. Mr. Speaker, obesity and obesity-associated annual 
hospital costs for children and adolescents have more than tripled over 
2 decades, rising from $35 million in 1979 to $127 million in 2000.
  This alarming rise in childhood obesity has resulted in a generation 
of children with many of the medical complications historically 
associated with adults, such as hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol, 
and heart disease. Adult obesity increases risks for over 20 medical 
conditions costing about $75 billion in medical expenses.
  Obesity prevention starts at home. Parents need to begin to teach 
personal responsibility early on, to eat healthy meals, and establish 
an exercise routine for their families. There is no Federal program 
that can improve the habits of our Nation's children better than a team 
of responsible parents.
  For our part, Congress should work with local communities to promote 
access to nutritious foods and physical activity programs that make 
healthy life-styles a priority, both in schools and the workplace. I 
ask that Members learn more about the costs and medical problems 
associated with obesity and other health care issues and urge them to 
visit my Web site at murphy.house.gov.

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