Let’s Move!: Promoting Healthy Lifestyles for the Future Generation

One out of three children in our nation are overweight or obese. In a thirty-year period, childhood obesity rates have tripled. 

“The physical and emotional health of an entire generation and the economic health and security of our nation is at stake.” –First Lady Michelle Obama at the Let’s Move! launch on February 9, 2010

First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! Campaign, a nationwide movement centered on combating childhood obesity, began in light of our fast-paced lifestyles that create health risks for ourselves and our children, hoping that reaching out to communities and big corporations would get people’s attention, influencing them to make a change towards a healthier lifestyle. This campaign is “fundamentally changing the conversation about how we eat and stay active, helping to ensure future generations are ready to win the future” ("USDA And Hunger Advocates To Launch Public-Private Partnership To Strengthen The National Hunger Safety Net").

How did we get to where we are today? In other words, how did our lifestyles evolve into a doctor’s worst nightmare? Thirty years ago, the majority of people led healthier lives. Kids walked to and from school, participated in recess and gym class, and played for hours before and after dinner. There was an abundance of home-cooked meals, always with a vegetable. Many people did not eat fast food, and snacking was on occasion. Unfortunately, most children are driven to school today. Many do not participate in sports or recreation because they can’t seem to find the time or a program. TV, video games, and the Internet consume much of their time. Home-cooked meals are a rarity in the majority of households, and snacking is a commonplace due to hectic schedules. Portion sizes are about five times bigger than in previous years. In total, we are now eating 31 percent more calories than we were forty years ago–including 56 percent more fats and oils and 14 percent more sugars and sweeteners. The average American now eats fifteen more pounds of sugar a year than in 1970.

Who other to go to for help than the food companies that are putting more sugars and fats into our food. The Let’s Move! Campaign sought out the help of big corporations and programs including Kraft Foods, the Girl Scouts of America, the United Soccer Club, the NFL, and Disney to get their support. On February 11^th, Rhonda Jordan, President of Global Health and Wellness and Sustainability for Kraft Foods, spoke out by saying, "As the nation's largest food company, we know we have a role to play in helping people make good choices, whether it's providing nutritious food options or offering healthy recipes. We're delighted to stand here today to encourage young [people] to start with the small steps that can lead to a healthy future" ("Girl Scouts And Kraft Take Action - 'Let's Move!' HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius Joins with Girl Scouts Around The Nation For A Conversation On Healthy Lifestyles At Let's Move! National Girl Scouts And Kraft Foods Town Hall").

With the help of corporations and program involvement, the Let’s Move! Campaign has not only gotten national recognition, but also made a real impact since its start one year ago. Major steps include bringing more grocery stores into under-served areas, a "Healthy Weight Commitment" by food manufacturers pledging to cut 1.5 trillion calories a year from their products, Wal-Mart promising to sell products with less sugar, salt, and trans-fat, and to reduce prices on healthy items like fresh fruits and vegetables, clearer labels on food items, the addition of salad bars in 6,000 schools across the country, the passing of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, by Congress that will provide healthier school meals to millions of American children, and through Let's Move! Cities and Towns, 500 mayors have committed to tackling obesity in their communities by building bike paths, planting gardens and starting youth sports leagues.

Let’s Move! is making a difference in communities around the nation because it is gathering followers and getting support from many people who see the need for change in today’s society. Let’s Move! is challenging every one of you to eat right, exercise, and get a sufficient amount of sleep. Together, we can make a difference by promoting a healthier lifestyle for the future generations to come.