Obesity in children is leveling off, according to national data collected in 2007 & 2008 by the University of Michigan. The percentage of overweight or obese children ages 10-17 in the U.S. in 2007 was 31.6 percent, but in Kentucky it was 37.1 percent, according to the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. Kentucky was ranked the 4th largest and most inactive state in 2007. Many statewide initiatives have tried to address childhood obesity in Kentucky. However, the only state law addressing childhood obesity as of 2011 is prohibiting sugar sweetened beverages in school vending machines (along with 21 other states. Kentucky does not require physical education for all grades K-12 (11 states do) or mandates BMI screening in school (10 states do). National adult opinion polls in May 2011reflect the public’s growing concern about the health consequences of...