Only lifestyle will change obesity rate
The Center for Science in the Public Interest, known for not being a friend of the beverage industry, published a national report card on school vending.
Kentucky has the No. 1 most stringent, healthy policy, allowing portion sizes up to 17 ounces in K-5, 20 ounces in grades 6-12 and diet soft drinks in middle and high schools.
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The Alliance for a Healthier Generation policy adopted by the Mississippi Board of Education is tougher on both counts.
Arkansas, No. 3 [stringent], Alabama, No. 5; Tennessee, No. 8; and Louisiana, No. 10, all allow diet soft drinks, as would Mississippi. Alabama, Tennessee and Louisiana allow full-calorie, carbonated drinks, but Mississippi's policy would not.
Mississippi ranked as the No. 17 best prior to the recent board action. Adopting the alliance's policy gives us one of the most restrictive beverage policies.
In contrast, the 2005 Report Card of the Governor's Commission on Physical Fitness and Sports gives Mississippi an "F" on physical activity.
It reports: 69 percent of students were not enrolled in a physical education class, and the percentage participating in sufficient physical activity was the lowest in the nation at 15.1 percent below the median range.
If the issue is obesity, let's stop arguing over zero-calorie soft drinks in high schools and address the more critical challenges in fighting it.
Help kids live healthier lives by decreasing excess calories consumed, to include a real change with what's eaten in school cafeterias, off-campus and homes, while increasing calories burned with a much-needed, aggressive physical activity program. Then we'll begin to significantly impact obesity.
Russ Hendley
Sales manager
Hattiesburg Coca-Cola
Originally published July 31, 2006
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