Normal, IL - Joined by Illinois State University President Dr. Al Bowman, several members of his administration and ISU faculty members and research teams, U.S. Rep. Tim Johnson (IL-15) announced the awarding of a $165,000 federal grant for the University’s continued work combating the growing national problem of obesity.  The news conference took place Monday morning at ISU’s Bone Student Center.

“Significant health problems stemming from poor nutrition and lack of exercise are becoming increasingly too common in America,” said Rep. Johnson.  “Obesity is quickly becoming a leading cause of death and we must act now to reverse this trend. It has reached epidemic proportions.”

More than 60 percent of U.S. adults are overweight and 33 percent are obese (30 pounds or more over their recommended weight).  The problem is rapidly spreading into younger age groups.  Between 15 and 25 percent of children and adolescents are overweight or obese.  Studies predict that 50 to 80 percent of these children will become obese adults.

Johnson continued, “I applaud Illinois State University for taking a leadership role in the search for a solution to what has become the obesity epidemic.  Here, researchers are developing what is called the Physical Education Obesity Prevention and Lifestyle Enhancement or PEOPLE Program.  It is designed to combat the obesity in elementary school children by offering better education and teacher training.” 

The $165,000 federal grant will support the PEOPLE program to help counter the number of young children in the United States who are overweight or obese.  Illinois State will develop a collaborative program with urban, suburban and rural school districts that is family-based and utilizes training methods for teachers to use in elementary schools.  The University will also serve as a clearinghouse for information on obesity prevention programs throughout the state.

“Illinois State University is uniquely qualified to develop action-based programs involving teachers, family and students in physical activities and nutritional interventions that foster healthy lifestyles and reduce the incidence of obesity,” said President Al Bowman.  “Illinois State produces the largest number of physical education teachers in Illinois and also has the state’s largest alumni base of P.E. teachers.  The University also has established partnerships and teaching programs in physical education and health education with school districts throughout Illinois.”

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