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Childhood obesity forum highlights data—and possible solutions

Fall forum of the Connecticut Coalition Against Childhood Obesity

November 19, 2012 at the Legislative Office Building, Hartford

Front row , from left: state Senate President Pro Tempore Donald Williams, state Education Commissioner Stefan Pryor, and state Public Health Commissioner Jewel Mullen. Photo: Dawn Crayco, End Hunger CT!

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Overview

A recent study by the state Department of Public Health (DPH) found that nearly 1 in 6 Connecticut children in kindergarten and third grade is overweight. It also found that nearly 1 in 7 kindergarteners and more than 1 in 6 third graders is obese. These staggering rates not only have life-long implications for children's health, but will significantly impact their performance in the classroom.

On November 19, 2012, the Connecticut Coalition Against Childhood Obesity and its more than 30 member organizations (including the Commission on Children) held a forum to engage leaders in government, education, health care, and advocacy in a dialogue to identify solutions to this problem.

Opening remarks came from state Senate President Donald Williams of Brooklyn; Dr. Jewel Mullen, commissioner of the state Department of Public Health; Stefan Pryor, and commissioner of the state Department of Education. The keynote address was delivered by Kelly Brownell, PhD, director of Yale University's Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity. Lucy Nolan, executive director of End Hunger CT!, served as moderator.