In his State of the Union Address Wednesday evening, President Barack Obama praised First Lady Michelle Obama for “creating a national movement to tackle the epidemic of childhood obesity and make kids healthier.” Less than 24 hours later, Mrs. Obama joined U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and U.S. Surgeon General Regina Benjamin to announce the release of The Surgeon General’s Vision for a Healthy and Fit Nation.
The paper, which is Dr. Benjamin’s first release to the nation since being sworn in as Surgeon General earlier this month, includes recommendations for helping Americans to adopt healthier lives through better nutrition and regular physical activity. The paper also encourages communities to be actively involved in creating healthier living environments and combating obesity.
Rates of obesity, which is defined as a body mass index of 30 or greater, have increased dramatically in the past 20 years. Currently, two-thirds of American adults and one in three American children are overweight or obese. Obesity threatens Americans’ quality of life and can cause serious health complications, such as Type 2 Diabetes, heart disease, cancer and high blood pressure. The United States now spends $147 billion a year treating obesity and related complications, accounting for more than nine percent of the country’s total medical spending.
“The surge in obesity in this country is nothing short of a public health crisis that is threatening our children, our families, and our future,” said First Lady Michelle Obama. “In fact, the health consequences are so severe that medical experts have warned that our children could be on track to live shorter lives than their parents. The paper released today is an incredibly important step in directing the Nation’s attention to solving the obesity epidemic and we do not have a moment to waste.”
Mrs. Obama made headlines in 2009 for planting a White House garden and hula-hooping with school children to raise awareness about healthy eating and exercise. Thursday’s release of The Surgeon General’s Vision for a Healthy and Fit America is the next step in the Obama Administration’s efforts to combat the obesity epidemic. In the coming weeks, Dr. Benjamin is expected to lay out the specifics of her plan to involve communities, businesses and government in tackling obesity. We hear that Mrs. Obama will unveil details of her own major childhood obesity initiative on February 8th. Stay tuned!
Tags: obesity, State of the Union
Great Article and Great Site.
Obesity can be cured. Its wonderful to know the president taking serious action on this matter.
yes every individual should take obesity seriously.