With the goal of reducing childhood obesity among America's youth, U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) has introduced new legislation codifying President Donald Trump’s executive order officially establishing the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition.
According to Britt, the council serves as an advisory body for the commander-in-chief while supporting physical fitness initiatives, sports participation, and nutritional awareness on a national scale. Lawmakers hope the council will redirect attention to the "declining fitness trends" taking place across the country, particularly among school-age children.
The bill also reestablishes the Presidential Fitness Test and award.
"Make America Healthy Again’ starts with making sure our children are physically active and develop healthy habits early in their lives," Britt said. "One way to achieve this is by building on President Trump’s effort to bring back the Presidential Fitness Test in our schools so the next generation learns to love fitness and understands the countless benefits that come with leading an active lifestyle."
In 2012, the Obama administration moved to replace the Presidential Fitness Test with the Presidential Youth Fitness Program, disincentivizing the use of established fitness tests and measurable goals. Youth fitness declined rapidly, and now approximately 1 in 6 children ages 10-17 has obesity.
Britt has been a consistent advocate for solutions to improve public health, seeking improved FDA oversight and reporting through the Better Food Disclosure Act and supporting efforts to remove harmful synthetic dyes from our foods.
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