CHENANGO COUNTY – Schools across the area will be screening students for obesity as the new school year approaches.

New legislation signed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo this week allows schools to conduct a “diabetes risk analysis” on new and returning students.

The measure is the state’s latest attempt to curb obesity rates by essentially allowing schools to screen for childhood obesity as part of their health services.

The legislation was passed unanimously in the state senate and assembly. The New York State Union of Teachers (NYSUT) was among several groups advocating for the bill.

Proponents say childhood obesity is a growing health, social, and economic concern close to surpassing smoking as a cause of adverse health conditions.

The law outlines that obesity related health care expenditures in New York are some of the highest in the county, and children in New York are more likely to be obese or overweight when compared to national trends.