Nutrition

Rep. Tim Huelskamp is critical of USDA guidelines limiting the calories provided in school lunches. 

Spiking rates of childhood obesity are a threat to national security and demand government intervention, according to retired military leaders.

Rep. Steve King characterized his legislation, which would repeal the calorie guidelines, as an attack on the "misguided nanny state."

Obama administration officials touted new school-lunch standards that will emphasize healthy eating and calorie controls for American students.

The "long overdue" overhaul will promote fruits, vegetables and whole grains while reducing salty and fatty foods, officials said.

The reform will also create a "friendlier food environment" for vegetarian and vegan students by allowing for meals containing tofu and more legumes, said Agriculture Under Secretary for Food Kevin Concannon. 

First Lady Michelle Obama will hold an anti-obesity event for 1,000 children in London, where she'll be leading a U.S. Olympic delegation.

On a conference call with reporters Monday, Obama said she was "beyond proud" to lead the presidential delegation to the Olympic opening ceremony.

"It's truly a dream come true," she said.

More people in both parties opposed the mayor’s idea than endorsed it, but opposition was much deeper among Republicans.

As the obesity debate rages on, public health advocates are convening the first-ever "National Soda Summit" in honor of New York City's controversial plan to ban large sugary drinks.

The proposed ban, announced last week by Mayor Michael Bloomberg (I), has stirred controversy over how far governments should go to restrict unhealthy options available to consumers and whether ideas like Bloomberg's are effective.

Beginning as early as next March, the city will ban the sale of non-diet sodas and other sugary drinks that are larger than 16 ounces in its restaurants and some other public venues.

First lady Michelle Obama on Tuesday said she “applauds” local leaders for confronting the growing risk of obesity, but stopped short of endorsing a controversial proposed ban of sugary drinks sold in quantities higher than 16 ounces in restaurants and public venues within New York City.

Obama “applauds anyone who's stepping up to think about what changes work in their communities," The Associated Press reported, following an interview with the first lady.

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg recently proposed a controversial ban of sugary drinks sold in quantities higher than 16 ounces in restaurants and public venues within the city, and Obama might seem a natural ally due to her work on anti-obesity causes. But Kristina Schake, the first lady's communications director, said that Obama does not advocate Bloomberg's specific solution.

The Walt Disney Company on Tuesday committed to making the "Happiest Place On Earth" a little healthier, crediting first lady Michelle Obama’s anti-obesity work in announcing revisions to nutrition standards at theme parks and resorts nation-wide.

The company will also eliminate advertising for food and beverage items marketed to younger viewers that do not meet new nutrition standards on Disney-owned TV, radio and websites. The Disney/ABC Television Group alone reaches an estimated audience of 99 million.

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s proposed ban on large sodas put big beverage companies back on the defensive.