Boys and Girls Clubs to Partner with State to Fight Obesity

The State Department of Health estimates 25-percent of low-income children in Tennessee are obese, or at risk of being obese. The department is teaming up with Boys and Girls Clubs across the state in a new program, called “Commit to be Fit,” designed to combat obesity among low-income children.

The program will measure each child’s body mass index and basic fitness level to create individualized exercise and nutritional regimens. Assistant Health Commissioner Andrea Willis says the program will also focus on healthy eating habits.

“What we do know is that the foods that tend to be cheaper are the ones that tend to be higher in fact so we really, really wanted to affect several things. On is to affect the children’s knowledge, give them more knowledge and hope that’s going to translate in their being healthier items in the grocery stores in those communities as well.”

Willis acknowledges that healthy eating habits start at home, so parents will be invited to participate in nutrition and cooking classes alongside their children.

The department estimates 5-thousand kids will participate in the year-long statewide program.

The program was kicked off on Saturday, at a conference held in Memphis over the weekend. The conference was sponsored by a national anti-obesity group, Shaping America’s Youth.