By Sarah Mupo -- February 9, 2010
Firstl ady Michelle Obama launched her national "Let's Move" campaign today, which seeks to conquer childhood obesity within a generation.
This marks Obama's biggest campaign yet on an issue which she calls "one of the most serious threats" to the succeeding generations of American children.
Obama said she hopes children born today will mature into adulthood at a healthy weight.
The campaign includes a partnership between officials, food companies and doctors to devise clearer food labels and other methods to help parents in healthy food decisions for their children. In addition, programs and legislation will be proposed to place healthier food in schools, provide improved access to affordable, healthy food and devise new ways for children to remain active.
"This isn't about inches or pounds, it's about how our kids feel," she said. "There are more and more kids with type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure today than ever before. Things we used to only see in adults."
The first lady has called upon parents, teachers, physicians, coaches and kids to participate in the campaign and encouraged them to look at the campaign's Web site for more information.
Earlier today, President Barack Obama signed a memorandum to create a childhood obesity government task force. The force will be comprised of Cabinet members and other top officials, who will compile a plan of action on child nutrition and physical activities over the next 90 days.
American Academy of Pediatrics president Judith Palfrey reported that approximately one in three U.S. children is currently considered overweight or obese.
