[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 82 (Thursday, May 16, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E616]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                                OBESITY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DANNY K. DAVIS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 16, 2019

  Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, the Obesity epidemic 
is a long-standing issue in American society with two-thirds of our 
population being affected by excess weight. This nation is facing the 
consequences of limited policies and funding to resolve this public 
health issue. Obesity affects all populations but some groups are 
disproportionately impacted such as racial and ethnic minorities. 
According to the Department of Health and Human Services, African 
American women have the highest rates of being overweight or obese with 
about 4 out of 5 women fitting the description. Constituents in my 
district are also highly affected by this phenomenon. A National Health 
and Nutrition Examination survey revealed that in the North Lawndale 
community in Chicago 46.4 percent of children aged 2-12 were considered 
obese. This is unacceptable especially when compared to the national 
average of childhood obesity which is 18.5 percent. Therefore, we must 
examine the factors that lead to such disparities. One primary factor 
in my district that contributes to this issue are food deserts. The 
lack of access to healthy food options is due to both the lack of food 
retail businesses and income within these communities. Unfortunately, 
high-calorie foods are less expensive and more available in 
neighborhoods with more corner stores than supermarkets. Additionally, 
there is a lack of safe, accessible places to walk, bike, and play in 
low-income neighborhoods, leaving residents with very few options. 
Health policies and programs need to be promoted in every sector from 
schools to local businesses to grassroots organizations. Addressing 
this epidemic will require us to work together to garner resources to 
battle obesity at the federal, state, and community levels. These 
resources could help communities facing health disparities fund 
projects such as community gardens and rebuilding playgrounds to get 
them on a path to healthier living. It is imperative that we address 
the issue of obesity to ensure the health of the country.

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