The Campaign for Junk Food - by Michelle Obama

[DonViejo]

Michelle Obama on Attempts to Roll Back Healthy Reforms

By MICHELLE OBAMA MAY 28, 2014

WHEN we began our Let’s Move! initiative four years ago, we set one simple but ambitious goal: to end the epidemic of childhood obesity in a generation so that kids born today will grow up healthy.

To achieve this goal, we have adhered to one clear standard: what works. The initiatives we undertake are evidence-based, and we rely on the most current science. Research indicated that kids needed less sugar, salt and fat in their diets, so we revamped school lunch menus accordingly. When data showed that the lack of nearby grocery stores negatively affected people’s eating habits, we worked to get more fresh-food retailers into underserved areas. Studies on habit formation in young children drove our efforts to get healthier food and more physical activity into child care centers.

Today, we are seeing glimmers of progress. Tens of millions of kids are getting better nutrition in school; families are thinking more carefully about food they eat, cook and buy; companies are rushing to create healthier products to meet the growing demand; and the obesity rate is finally beginning to fall from its peak among our youngest children.

So we know that when we rely on sound science, we can actually begin to turn the tide on childhood obesity.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/29/opinion/michelle-obama-on-attempts-to-roll-back-healthy-reforms.html

[3catwoman3]

1. I examined an 11 yr old child yesterday in my peds practice.

We had not seen this patient since the required kindergarten checkup, at which time the child was of normal size. In the intervening 6 years, there has been a 111 pound weight gain, and both weight and BMI are now off the charts. The child's mother is not worried because the child "has the family build and is healthy as a horse."

I, however, am very worried. The mother did agree to accept paperwork to get basic labs looking for early signs of insulin resistance. I am not at all sure she will follow thru and actually get the blood work.

I appreciate Mrs. Obama's statement about "...when we rely on sound science."