Connecticut Bill Aims To Combat Childhood Obesity, Boost Physical Activity Of Kids

HARTFORD, Conn. (CBSNewYork/AP) - Connecticut lawmakers are considering whether to create a new commission that would devise ways to increase physical activity among students.

It's part of an effort by the state to combat childhood obesity.

The General Assembly's Public Health Committee is scheduled to vote Monday on a bill that would form a volunteer advisory council on physical activity for school students. It was one of the recommendations from the Task Force on Childhood Obesity, submitted to legislators in October.

Under the bill, the new council would have to submit recommendations to the state's education and public health commissioners, no later than Feb. 1, 2016, on ways to increase physical activity and decrease childhood obesity.

According to the Connecticut Commission on Children, childhood obesity is starting early and remaining steady in Connecticut.

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