Michelle Obama recently launched a campaign called “Let’s Move”, which is focused on reducing the number of obese children and adolescents. The goals for her campaign are to teach parents to make healthier choices, get healthier food options into schools, and to get kids to be more physically active. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, it is estimated that 33.6% of children and adolescents between the ages of 2-19 years old in the United States are either overweight or obese, which is double what the statistic was 30 years ago. This is a huge problem because obesity is usually accompanied by other health problems such as low self-esteem, diabetes, asthma, and/or heart problems.

I think that it’s great that someone with Michelle Obama’s knowledge and power is trying to raise awareness about childhood obesity and get people in our country to make healthier decisions. This campaign will hopefully get others interested in working together to reduce child obesity. The government and school systems can get involved by making policies that require healthier food options and more time for physical activity. Parents and kids can also make a difference by following Michelle Obama’s lead and making healthy eating and exercise a priority.

If you’re interested in learning more about the campaign and how to solve the childhood obesity epidemic, you should check out the website.

-Kelly, CYWH Nutrition Intern