First lady Michelle Obama, at a meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, called obesity an epidemic and one of the greatest threats to our healthy and economy. She has launched a major initiative to combat this problem in childhood. Her Let's Move campaign involves the government working with local communities to provide more nutritious food in school, allow more opportunities for kids to be physically active and give more communities access to affordable, healthful food.

Statistics show 32% of children are obese or overweight. Almost 20% of children ages 6-11 and 18% of those ages 12-19 are obese. Such children are at greater risk for weight-related health problems and have an increased chance of becoming obese adults.