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Texas ranks sixth in the nation for childhood obesity.

By the year 2025, the State Comptroller projects that almost half of Texas adults will be obese.

That could result in Texas businesses paying more than $15 billion a year since employers often foot the bill for employee health care and absenteeism.

"Texas is in a crisis stage today, and we must wage the battle on obesity and turn this around because tax payers are picking up the tab for poor eating choices, said Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples. "It's impacting our state budget and our schools are a great place to start."

That's why Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples hosted a child nutrition workshop Tuesday at A&M Consolidated High School in College Station.

About 450 nutrition specialists from across the state attended the workshop, which is intended to improve child nutrition programs and curb obesity.

The state is trying to encourage healthy lifestyle habits that will last into adulthood.