The fact that first lady, Michelle Obama is constantly making news in the fashion world, does not mean we forget that the #1 style mom of the free world, not only has her own sense of style, but she is also highly intelligent and continuously active in issues of children and families. Her latest efforts has been in the trenches of the fight against obesity in children.
On Tuesday, styling in a L’Wren Scott ensemble from the Spring 2010 Madame du Barry collection, Mrs. Obama spoke at a meeting of the Grocery Manufacturers Association in Washington, D.C.
The first lady urged the major players in the food industry, including Kraft Foods, General Mills, Coca Cola Co., and Del Monte Foods, to “step up” their efforts in development of and promoting healthier products to our children.
“We need you not to just tweak around the edges but entirely rethink the products you are offering, the information that you provide about these products, and how you market those products to our children.”, stated Mrs. Obama. She then went on to discuss the recent controversial topics of sugar and salt:
“While decreasing fat is certainly a good thing, replacing it with sugar and salt isn’t.” she urged. “This needs to be a serious industry wide commitment to providing the healthier foods parents are looking for at prices they can afford.”
*Applause* for that last statement. I mean really, the fact that healthy and organic food is more expensive at the grocery store is counterintuitive in terms of trying to promote a healthy lifestyle to our children. It’s clear we are in a crisis and something has to be done. The stats are absolutely appalling:
– The United States is the most obese country in the world followed by our southern neighbor Mexico at #2 and the UK at #3.
– The current economic crisis could exacerbate the obesity epidemic. Food prices, particularly for more nutritious foods, are expected to rise, making it more difficult for families to eat healthy foods.
– In 30 out of our 50 states, 30% or more children are overweight or obese.
– 10% of infants and toddlers are dangerously overweight.
– Adult obesity rates now exceed 25% in 31 states and exceed 20% in 49 states and Washington, D.C. Two-thirds of American adults are either obese or overweight.
(sources: 2009 F as in Fat Report – Healthyamericans.org and NationMaster.com)
The media attention to Michelle Obama’s fight against obesity doesn’t stop here. On March 22nd, the first lady will be seen on her third Newsweek cover since her husband took office. The issue will highlight her Let’s Move Campaign in an article titled “Michelle On a Mission”.
Anorexic models on the runways and in the pages of our favorite fashion mags are the least of our problems when it comes to society and weight issues. Our childrens’ life expectancy rate is decreasing. Leave a comment and share your struggles, stories, inspirations, and tips on how you promote a healthy lifestyle for yourself, your children, and your family.
(Photos: AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, and Newsweek.com)
