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Michelle Obama picks pediatrician to lead her anti-obesity campaign for children
Judith Palfrey will serve as executive director of the “Let’s Move!” campaign against childhood obesity.
A leading pediatrician is taking over as executive director of first lady Michelle Obama's "Let's Move!" campaign against childhood obesity, the White House announced Friday.
Judith Palfrey is a professor of pediatrics at Harvard Medical School and was the president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the nation's largest pediatric organization. She'll be taking leave from her post as director of the Children's International Pediatric Center at Children's Hospital in Boston during her stint with the first lady.
"It was my children's pediatrician who first told me that I needed to pay closer attention to my children's health so I understand the significance doctors play in family health," Obama said in a statement. "That's why we are eager to welcome Judy Palfrey to the White House where I know that she will take the Let’s Move! program to new heights."
The initiative has been attacked by some on the right — most notably former Alaska governor Sarah Palin — who say the first lady is trying to create a nanny-state culture that seeks to ban French fries and other unhealthy foods.
Some nutritionists, meanwhile, worry that focusing on body weight could inadvertently stigmatize overweight children.
"Let's Move!" is a comprehensive initiative focused on five pillars:
• Creating a healthy start for children;
• Empowering parents and caregivers;
• Providing healthy food in schools;
• Improving access to healthy, affordable foods; and
• Increasing physical activity.
