March 13 - Recent studies indicate that more than 150 million Americans over the age of 20 are either overweight or obese. By 2010, it is estimated that 20 percent of children in the United States will be obese. To help turn the tide of this growing obesity epidemic, Congressman Zach Wamp is cosponsoring the Physical Activities Guidelines for Americans Act of 2008, which would require the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to prepare and promote physical activity guidelines at least every five years, similar to the dietary and nutritional guidelines. 

“The human body was made to move. The more people we can encourage to have a regime of physical activity in their lives and take better care of themselves, the better off we will be as a society,” said Congressman Wamp. “Publishing physical activity guidelines may persuade Americans to live a healthier lifestyle.” 

HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt announced in October 2006 that his department would develop science-based physical activity guidelines to help Americans incorporate physical activity into their lives. These guidelines are expected to be released in late 2008. HHS will provide recommendations on the latest knowledge about activity and health, with enough flexibility to target specific population subgroups such as seniors, children and persons with disabilities. 

“Many Americans are unhealthy and we are paying a heavy price for it. Obesity has led to significant increases in health care costs, especially in chronic diseases. Currently, 75 cents of every dollar spent on health care goes to treat chronic diseases. Simply put, this level of health care spending is threatening the health of our economy,” said Congressman Wamp. “We need to instill a culture of healthy living, including physical activity, to combat this epidemic and work toward reducing chronic disease in America.” 

Congressman Wamp is the founder and current co-chair of the Congressional Fitness Caucus, and is a strong proponent of physical activity for both children and adults to help prevent obesity and encourage a healthy lifestyle.