LOS ANGELES — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today issued the following statement regarding a new study that shows a six percent jump in the number of overweight children in California.

"I am deeply concerned about the students whose health is threatened in many ways by childhood obesity, and this new data shows that the number of young people who are overweight is increasing. As I said in my State of Education address last January, we face a crisis of childhood obesity, poor nutrition, and poor fitness. That's why I initiated a 'Healthy Children Ready to Learn' campaign. It is time to promote and support a culture of health and fitness in our schools. This study underscores the need to take action.

"I am sponsoring legislation that calls for the development and adoption of health education standards for our schools. My office is also working with local school districts to improve the availability of nutritious foods and make physical changes at school sites so to encourage students to get more exercise and take advantage of healthier food choices.

"We know that students in good health are better prepared to learn. I commit to continue to work with the Governor, the Legislature, schools and communities to combat childhood obesity and help students develop lifelong habits of good nutrition and fitness.”

For more information on the study conducted by the California Center for Public Health Advocacy, please visit http://www.publichealthadvocacy.org/policy_briefs/overweight2004.html (Outside Source).