Congress to Vote on Legislation to Fight Obesity with 80 Million Dollars

Obesity reaches "epidemic proportion," leading to 300,000 premature deaths and costing the economy $120 billion annually. 

According to the law makers, the US Senate will soon see legislation aimed at reducing skyrocketing levels of obesity in American children and adolescents.

Draft legislation in circulation on Capitol Hill could authorize billions in government spending to encourage increased physical activity and improved nutrition at schools. The proposal is an attempt to help quell the number of obese and overweight children in the US, which has doubled over the last 20 years, they said.

American obesity and overweight rates have become an increasing source of concern for US health officials. A recent report from former US Surgeon General Dr. David Satcher said that obesity had reached "epidemic proportion," leading to 300,000 premature deaths and costing the economy $120 billion annually.

Over 8 million US children currently meet the clinical definitions of being overweight or obese, according to federal health figures.

The committee is preparing to introduce legislation that would authorize $40 million in federal spending next year to expand a federal program designed to help schools implement physical education and nutrition classes. Another $40 million would be authorized for states and communities to build parks, bike paths, and recreation centers and to promote physical activities among residents.

Some money in the bill would also be funneled through a nutrition and physical activity program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).