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Three New Laws in Maine Aim to Curb State's Obesity Rate
Maine Gov. John E. Baldacci (D) has signed three bills aimed at curbing the state's obesity rate, the Bangor Daily News reports. The first measure, which will take effect February 1, 2011, requires chain restaurants in the state to display the caloric content of menu items. A second bill encourages schools to voluntarily measure and report students' body mass index (BMI). The state will use the data, which will be redacted of all identifying information, to evaluate current obesity prevention efforts and highlight areas for future reform. The final bill seeks to assess the physical education (PE) capacities of schools in the state and encourages schools to enhance their PE offerings. The measure also establishes a special fund to provide schools financial assistance to implement the changes. According to the Daily News, approximately two-thirds of Maine residents are either overweight or obese, accounting for the highest rate in New England. Moreover, a report from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation suggests that approximately one-quarter of Maine children were obese in 2008 (Miller, Bangor Daily News, 6/18/09; Office of Gov. John E. Baldacci release, 6/17/09).