U.S. government kicks off movement against childhood obesity

WASHINGTON, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. government on Tuesday launched a movement against childhood obesity, led by First Lady Michelle Obama, to guide children to take a healthy lifestyle.

U.S. First lady Michelle Obama announces a campaign to combat the  rapidly growing problem of childhood obesity, Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2010,  in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington.  (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

"My administration is committed to redoubling our efforts to solve the problem of childhood obesity within a generation through a comprehensive approach that builds on effective strategies, engages families and communities, and mobilizes both public and private sector resources," said a memorandum signed by U.S. President Barack Obama.

The "Let's Move" campaign is a 9-day plan "that involves the private sector as well as government agencies coordinating much more effectively a lot of public information out there to help parents make good decisions about allowing their children to be active and eating healthier."

Michelle Obama said that the movement will encourage more physical activity for children, healthier food in schools and more accurate food labeling.

To achieve the goals, the U.S. government established a task force on childhood obesity, whose members include four government secretaries, to work across executive departments and agencies to develop a coordinated federal response and identify nongovernment actions.

Official statistics show that nearly one third of children in America are overweight or obese, and one third of all individuals born in the year 2000 or later will eventually suffer from diabetes over the course of their lifetime.