September marks National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

In recognition of the fight against childhood obesity, President Barack Obama has declared September National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month.

"As a nation, our greatest responsibility is to ensure the well-being of our children," he wrote in a presidential proclamation. "By taking action to address the issue of childhood obesity, we can help America’s next generation reach their full potential."

The proclamation underscored the alarmingly high rates of childhood obesity: One-third of American children are overweight or obese and are at risk for health problems such as cardiovascular disease and hypertension. The statement also highlighted important efforts to curb the childhood obesity epidemic, such as first lady Michelle Obama’s "Let's Move!" campaign and new partnerships with grocery stores and other retailers designed to improve access to healthy food in underserved populations. President Obama also said 1,250 schools — double the number of last year — met the HealthierUS School Challenge by providing students with more opportunities for exercise and eating nutritious meals.

The federal government is also involved, according to the proclamation. The US Department of Agriculture now offers MyPlate, an adapted version of the traditional food pyramid that encourages balanced meals and implementation of the agency’s updated Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

"Across our country, parents are working hard every day to make sure their kids are healthy, and my administration is committed to supporting families in their efforts," the president said in the proclamation. "During National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, we recognize the outstanding work our businesses, communities and families are doing to help us meet our responsibilities to our children. I urge all Americans to help us meet our goal of solving the problem of childhood obesity within a generation."

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