Obesity is a rapidly growing problem in the United States and many other industrialized nations.

Its related health problems cause hundreds of thousands of deaths every year in the United States alone, with heart disease being the number one killer. The percentage of children who are obese has more than doubled in the past 30 years. Obesity is considered a major risk factor for heart disease, however, it also affects other major risk factors such as the onset of Type II diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure (United States Department of Health and Human Services, 2003).

Sadly, obese children are more likely to become obese adults, so it is crucial to help them avoid or tackle this problem, in a healthy way and at an early age. The only safe and lasting way to combat the obesity epidemic is through the development of good eating and physical activity habits.

Lack of physical activity is in itself a major risk factor for heart disease and certain forms of cancer. Regular, sufficient, physical activity is a major solution to the problems related to obesity. Helping students develop the skills, knowledge and desire they need to be physically active for a lifetime should be the focus of every physical education program.

Unfortunately many physical education programs are not on this path, and they may be contributing to the problem rather than the solution.

In fact, physical activity levels drop steadily throughout adolescence, with the largest drop occurring around age 14-15. Inappropriate teaching practices and a lack of curricular focus turn many students awa y from an active lifestyle.

It is time for a major effort to reform physical education. It is time for REAL teachers, parents and administrators to demand that all students get what they deserve: Quality physical education taught by REAL teachers. Are you Part Of The Solution yet?