Rising Support for School and Government Action

STONY BROOK, New York , Wednesday October 12, 2005 -- Results from the Health Pulse of America national poll released today by The Center for Survey Research (CSR) at Stony Brook University indicates that over 65% of Americans now rate childhood obesity as a very serious problem.

“National studies have told us that the United States has a major weight problem. An interesting finding from our poll is that the rising concern about childhood obesity goes hand-in-hand with the growing perception that the main culprit is food as opposed to insufficient activity ,” said Leonie Huddy, Director and Founder of the Center for Survey Research. “In addition, these results indicate increasing support for all kinds of solutions to obesity, including those that have been unpopular in past polls.”

Tracked over a period of 2 years, poll results indicate a significant increase in support for school and governmental policies to combat the problem of childhood obesity, including:

93% of Americans support year-round physical education classes
Just under 80% of Americans oppose the installation of soft drink and snack vending machines in public schools.
Similar numbers (78%) oppose teachers’ use of food such as candy and gum as a form of student reward.
Almost 6 in 10 Americans (59%) are willing to pay more in taxes for more nutritious schools lunches in the public schools
A majority (55%) also support a ban on television advertising for junk food that is aimed at children

“In general, children and adolescents who are overweight tend to grow into overweight adults. That is why tackling childhood obesity is now a highly effective way to prevent future health problems in adulthood,” adds Josephine Connolly-Schoonen, Childhood Obesity Prevention and Management Expert. “We hope these results will serve as a wake-up call to Americans of all ages.”

For polling results or to schedule interviews or appearances, please contact the Center for Survey Research Media Relations Office at 631-632-4377.

The Center for Survey Research at Stony Brook University is a state-of-the-art facility designed to conduct national polls with people and organizations throughout the United States . Survey press releases and other materials are available online at: www.sunysb.edu/surveys



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