Purdue News

February 23, 2004

Physical education bill not panacea for childhood obesity

A Purdue University physical education expert applauds the initiative to introduce more exercise opportunities into Indiana classrooms, but she cautions that greater efforts are needed to prevent children from becoming overweight.

"In the fight against obesity, I am in full support of daily physical education, but by itself, it is not enough," says Lavon Williams, a professor of kinesiology who studies what motivates children to be active. "We need to create ways for children to be more interested in physical activity."

A bill aimed at combating childhood obesity is making its way through the Indiana Legislature. The bill would require elementary schools to include 30 minutes of daily activity without extending the school day.

"Following their elementary school years, children often lose interest in being active or lose their opportunity to participate when cut from interscholastic athletic teams, which is a primary outlet for physical activity," says Williams, who was a physical education teacher for six years before earning her doctorate. "We need to address these concerns so all children can benefit from physical activity."

Williams says we need to create more environments that promote interest in, and motivation for, physical activity through daily education, intramurals, recreational leagues and supervised playgrounds so that all children have a safe and fun place to be physically active.

Williams also can talk about the importance of balancing physical education with nutrition.

CONTACT: Williams, (765) 496-7551, lwilliams@purdue.edu