Let’s Move Campaign
White House Task Force on Childhood Obesity Report to the President
In February, First Lady Michelle Obama launched the Let's Move! Campaign to solve the childhood obesity epidemic within a generation. As part of this effort, President Barack Obama established the Task Force on Childhood Obesity to develop and implement an interagency plan that details a coordinated strategy, identifies key benchmarks, and outlines an action plan to end the problem of childhood obesity within a generation. The action plan defines the goal of ending childhood obesity in a generation as returning to a childhood obesity rate of just 5 percent by 2030, which was the rate before childhood obesity first began to rise in the late 1970s. In total, the report presents a series of 70 specific recommendations, many of which can be implemented right away. The report states that:
There is considerable knowledge about the risk factors associated with childhood obesity. Research and scientific information on the causes and consequences of childhood obesity form the platform on which to build our national policies and partner with the private sector to end the childhood obesity epidemic. Effective policies and tools to guide healthy eating and active living are within our grasp. This report will focus and expand on what we can do together to:
create a healthy start on life for our children, from pregnancy through early childhood;
empower parents and caregivers to make healthy choices for their families;
serve healthier food in schools;
ensure access to healthy, affordable food; and
increase opportunities for physical activity.
To access the report, click here.
The Let’s Move Web site also features many health and wellness topics such as Healthy Choices, Healthier Schools, Physical Activity and Access to Affordable Healthy Food.
To find out more, visit www.letsmove.gov.