Texas Reinstating Gym in Elementary Schools to Combat Obesity

To help combat childhood obesity, Texas is reinstating mandatory gym class in elementary schools, requiring pupils to take a minimum of 135 minutes of physical education a week.

"We have a childhood obesity problem in the state of Texas that needs to be addressed," state Health Commissioner Eduardo Sanchez said. "One of the places where it might be appropriate for children to get their physical activity is in school. Get them little and it becomes a healthy habit."

The Texas Board of Education, on a 13-to-2 vote, approved the new rule implementing a state law that reversed a decision made seven years ago to phase out gym in elementary schools to place more emphasis on academics.

Texas high school students are already required to take gym to graduate.

Other sources: Dallas Morning News