FIT Kids Act

The obesity epidemic has reached our nation's children. In 2004, over 9 million children and adolescents ages 6 to 19 were considered overweight. The Department of Health and Human Services estimates that by 2010, 20 percent of children in the U.S. will be obese. Overweight adolescents have a 70 percent chance of becoming overweight adults.

Fitness Integrated with Teaching Kids Act (FIT Kids Act)
To address the unprecedented childhood obesity epidemic, the Fitness Integrated with Teaching Kids Act (FIT Kids Act) was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on July 31, 2007 by Representatives Ron Kind (D-WI), Zach Wamp (R-TN) and Jay Inslee (D-WA); and was introduced in the U.S. Senate on October 17, 2007 by Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA). If enacted, the FIT Kids Act would amend the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act to require that all schools, districts and states include the quantity and quality of PE in the “report cards” currently sent to parents. It would also ensure that children get the support they need to be active and make healthy food choices.

The American Heart Association endorses the FIT Kids Act and is working with Senator Harkin, Representatives Kind, Wamp and Inslee, and supportive organizations to ensure that its provisions are incorporated into NCLB.

Background

Letters to Congress

AHA News Releases/Statements/Articles

Other Obesity Resources

Obesity and Cardiovascular Disease Fact Sheet

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