Michelle Obama's Childhood Obesity Plan is a Solid Roadmap

by David Orr · 2010-05-12 09:00:00 UTC
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Yesterday, the White House Task Force on Childhood Obesity released its roadmap to eliminating the epidemic of childhood obesity within a generation. The report is a key component of First Lady Michelle Obama's "Let's Move" initiative and represents a huge step forward in addressing the issue.

"We don't need new discoveries or inventions to reverse this trend," Mrs. Obama said at a news conference. "We have the tools at our disposal to reverse it. All we need is the motivation, the opportunity, and the willpower to do what needs to be done."

The report outlines 70 recommendations — many of them able to be implemented immediately — that for the first time set measurable goals, benchmarks and outcomes in the fight against childhood obesity. The recommendations span across multiple federal agencies and range from better education on prenatal care to healthier school food to boosting kids' physical activity. The report also provides a number of measures on limiting companies' ability to market unhealthy foods directly to kids, which needs to be an important component of any plan to combat childhood obesity.

The White House made clear that it will rely on "bully pulpit" tactics and voluntary compliance for many of these recommendations. Regulatory agencies won't be springing into action quite yet, and at least thus far, the Administration has shied away from any real legislative fights. It would be great to see every city, company, and citizen join together and tackle this problem. But without legislative mandates, it's unclear just how widespread the participation will be.

Still, the report is an important and thoughtful document that sets out some noble goals. The real challenge will be generating the willpower to make it happen. The White House needs to keep the pressure on, and all of us can tell our representatives in Congress that implementing these recommendations is a priority. We've got a good roadmap. Now it's time to step on the gas.

Photo: The White House

David Orr is a sustainable cook, writer and activist.
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