President Obama launches anti-obesity month

President Obama marked the start of National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month with a proclamation calling on all Americans to "take action by learning about and engaging in activities that promote healthy eating and greater physical activity by all our Nation's children."

The rate of childhood obesity has tripled since the 1970s, with a third of American children now said to be overweight or obese. At this rate, researchers say, a third of children born in 2000 will develop Type 2 diabetes during their lifetime, with many others at risk of obesity‑related illnesses including heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer and asthma.

"By taking action to address the issue of childhood obesity," the president said, "we can help America's next generation reach their full potential."

The proclamation goes on to recap some of the recent anti-obesity efforts pursued by the administration and Congress: 

• First lady Michelle Obama's "Let's Move!" public-private effort to help communities make healthy food and exercise choices, including a partnership with grocery stores to increase food choices in underserved areas; passage of the childhood nutrition bill requiring healthier public school lunches; and new dietary guidelines.

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