Obesity has emerged as a public health crisis, nationally and in Connecticut. Over the past quarter century (from 1976-1980 to 2003-2004), the percentage of American children who fit the definition of "obese" has shot up dramatically, tripling for those aged 12 to 19 (from 5 percent to 17.4 percent) and nearly tripling for those aged 6 to 11 (from 6.5 percent to 18.8 percent.) In 2005, one in four (26 percent) Connecticut high school students were obese (11 percent) or overweight (15 percent).

Weight problems in childhood often continue into adulthood. Nationally, more than 50 percent of all obese 6-year-olds are projected to become obese adults. The adult obesity rate in Connecticut nearly doubled over the past 15 years, rising from 12 percent in 1990 to 20 percent in 2005.

The potential consequences of obesity are significant. Obese children face increased risk for Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, stroke, asthma, and heart disease. Diabetes among U.S. adults jumped by 41 percent between 1997 and 2003, with obesity playing a major role. In Connecticut, more than 3,000 people die each year from obesity and its complications. In just one year, obesity-related health problems added $665 million in Medicaid and Medicare costs in Connecticut.