September marks National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month
In recognition of the fight against childhood obesity,
President Barack Obama has declared September National Childhood Obesity
Awareness Month.
"As a nation, our greatest responsibility is to
ensure the well-being of our children," he wrote in a presidential
proclamation. "By taking action to address the issue of childhood obesity,
we can help America’s next generation reach their full potential."
The proclamation underscored the alarmingly high rates
of childhood obesity: One-third of American children are overweight or obese
and are at risk for health problems such as cardiovascular disease and
hypertension. The statement also highlighted important efforts to curb the
childhood obesity epidemic, such as first lady Michelle Obama’s
"Let's Move!" campaign and new partnerships with grocery stores
and other retailers designed to improve access to healthy food in underserved
populations. President Obama also said 1,250 schools — double the number
of last year — met the HealthierUS School Challenge by providing students
with more opportunities for exercise and eating nutritious meals.
The federal government is also involved, according to
the proclamation. The US Department of Agriculture now offers MyPlate, an
adapted version of the traditional food pyramid that encourages balanced meals
and implementation of the agency’s updated Dietary Guidelines for
Americans.
"Across our country, parents are working hard every
day to make sure their kids are healthy, and my administration is committed to
supporting families in their efforts," the president said in the
proclamation. "During National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, we
recognize the outstanding work our businesses, communities and families are
doing to help us meet our responsibilities to our children. I urge all
Americans to help us meet our goal of solving the problem of childhood obesity
within a generation."