IN HCR0031

Urges the Legislative Council to assign the Health Finance Commission to develop a state policy aimed at reducing obesity and diabetes in children and adolescents.

Requires the commission to examine current obesity trends in Indiana youth, estimated costs of obesity to Indiana and employers, methodologies to reduce overweight youth, and supportive state policies.

Notes that obesity rates among U.S. children ages 6-11 have increased from less than 5 percent to nearly 20 percent over the past 30 years, with 29 percent of Indiana adolescents classified as overweight or obese.

Cites that more than one in three children born in 2000 are estimated to develop diabetes, and that childhood obesity increases risk of adult health conditions including diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

Directs the Health Finance Commission to issue a final report when directed by the Legislative Council.