Explanation
About 1 of every 6 Ohio children ages 10 to 17 is obese, according to a 2019 report from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. That compares with about 1 in 7 children nationwide. The condition can increase a child’s risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma and certain cancers. The obesity rate for Ohio preteens and teenagers is 17.1%, representing about 195,400 youth. That’s the 10th highest rate in the nation. There is clear and consistent evidence that reducing consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) would improve kids’ health. SSB consumption is closely tied to an increased risk for obesity, dental caries, and potentially developing insulin resistance among children. Many cities and states have enacted legislation to create default beverage policies that would limit the drink options offered in kids’ meals at restaurants. This ordinance requires restaurants in Columbus to make healthy drinks -- water, low-fat milk and 100% fruit juice -- the default options offered with kids’ meals.
Fiscal Impact: No funding is required for this legislation.
Title
To establish Chapter 717, Public Health Prohibitions; enact new Section 717.01 of the Columbus City Code containing provisions requiring restaurants to make healthy drinks -- water, low-fat milk and 100% fruit juice -- the default options offered with restaurant kids’ meals.
Body
WHEREAS, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the percentage of children and adolescents in the United States affected by obesity has more than tripled since the 1970s; and
WHEREAS, children and adults with obesity are at a greater risk for numerous adverse health consequences, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, tooth decay and other debilitating diseases; and
WHEREAS, children and adults who are overweight or obese are at greater risk for numerous serious health outcomes that place a large burden on the health care sys...
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