Call to Action
Obesity is a growing epidemic with significant health, social and economic implications.
Sadly, the number of overweight Americans has increased almost 50 percent during the last 15 years – that represents two-thirds of our population. These individuals are at risk of a wide array of health complications, including cardiovascular, orthopedic, diabetic and pulmonary ailments. Those who are overweight and obese are also found to miss more days of work and are more likely to be admitted into a hospital. Additionally, the amount spent by California on direct and indirect medical care, workers’ compensation, and lost productivity topped $28 billion in 2005.
Obesity among children is also on the rise. In fact, more than one-in-four students in San Diego County is now overweight or obese. If we don’t act now, one-third of our children could develop diabetes at some point in their lifetimes, and we could soon see the first generation of children in history with a life expectancy shorter than that of their parents. Further, obese children miss more school days and have lower academic performance than other children.
Over the past several years, reducing childhood obesity has been one of Chairman Roberts' top priorities. In 2002, the Coalition on Children and Weight (Coalition) was created. This Coalition is
made up of more than 100 organizations that are committed to the health and well being of San Diego County's children.
For more information about the Coalition and its efforts, please visit the
Coalition on Children and Weight website.
In 2006, through the efforts of Chairman ROberts, Supervisor Pam Slater-Price, the Coalition and others, the Board adopted the Call to Action: San Diego County Childhood Obesity Action Plan. The purpose of the report was to identify strategies with the goal of reducing the prevalence of childhood obesity and associated risk factors. Today, our County has a thriving Childhood Obesity Initiative, which is working to implement the strategies identified in our Action Plan.
Since the plan was unveiled, a number of the government related policy recommendations have been implemented, such as the healthy choice vending machine policy, which requires 50% of the food & beverage content in vending machines on County property to meet standardized nutritional guidelines. For a copy of the Action Plan or to obtain more up to date information on its efforts, please go to
Our Community Our Kids.
Production of Children’s Fitness DVD
Statistics show that there is a direct relationship between academic achievement and physical fitness. Quite simply, the more fit a child is, the more likely he or she will be successful in school.
In an effort to address this issue, Chairman Roberts partnered with San Diego City Schools to launch a pilot project, funded in part by the County, that will provide training to teachers, particularly in elementary schools lacking credentialed Physical Education instructors. The training program, available on a DVD, will ensure that students get quality exercise specifically designed to improve their health, and more importantly, to give them the skills and knowledge they can take with them into adulthood. Eventually, Chairman Roberts hopes to take this curriculum countywide so that all school kids can benefit.
Promoting Healthy Eating Habits
As many of us know, the other main contributing factor to obesity, besides lack of physical activity, is poor nutrition. Altering nutritional habits is partly predicated on having access to healthy foods. The reality is children and families living in poverty often reside in neighborhoods with an abundance of convenience and liquor stores and a lack of grocery stores. Grocery stores typically have a greater selection of fresh foods and are less expensive than smaller outlets.
These families often purchase foods that cost less, are easier to preserve, and will curb their hunger to a greater degree. Subsequently, these types of foods have less nutritional value.
As cited in the Action Plan, there are many sectors of society that will need to implement new strategies and influence behavioral change in order for us to be successful in diminishing obesity. As a government body the Board of Supervisors has influence on the nutrition arena through programs that the County administers, including the Senior Brown Bag
program, Senior Dining Centers, MOMeals and the Food Stamp programs, all funded by the federal government. Through these programs we have the chance to enhance food resources for vulnerable populations and also have the opportunity to educate them about how to buy and prepare healthy food as well as discouraging unhealthy choices.
The reauthorization of the federal Farm Bill, which governs the Food Stamp program and other nutritional programs, is currently underway on Capitol Hill. This presents an opportunity to enhance the nutritional habits of those who receive this benefit, and Chairman Roberts believes that San Diego County should voice its support for a number of measures.
In April, Chairman Roberts asked the Board of Supervisors to adopt policy guidelines that will allow the County’s Health and Human Services Agency to support legislation that increases nutrition resources and education for our most vulnerable citizens, including seniors, people with disabilities, and especially families with children who are at risk of obesity. Please see attached board letter for more details.
