The Campaign to End Obesity is dedicated to reversing America’s costliest disease. Right now, 1 in 3 adults and 1 in 5 children struggle with obesity. Taxpayers, governments and businesses spend billions on obesity-related conditions each year, including an estimated $147 billion in medical costs.
Ending this epidemic requires change – in individuals, institutions and communities. The Campaign convenes leaders from industry, academia, public health and associations to advocate with one voice for federal policies to reverse the obesity epidemic and promote healthy weight in children and adults.
Breakfast with Champions
Many Members of Congress are champions in the effort to reverse obesity. See our full list of Campaign champions.
Childhood Obesity: How We Can Help
The Campaign has partnered with Discovery Health to raise awareness of childhood obesity.
Listing Calories on Fast-Food Menus Cuts Kids' Intake
HealthDay News, 1.25.10 Parents are more likely to pick lower-calorie food for their children when they are aware of the caloric content of fast-food items, according to a study published in the journal Pediatrics. There was no difference, however, in the amount of calories in the food parents chose for themselves.
Breast-Feeding Rates Tied to White Women's Body Mass Index
Los Angeles Times, 1.25.10 Among white women, obese women may not be breast-feeding their children for as long as normal-weight women are, according to a study published in the January issue of the journal Obesity. The study authors point to the importance of breast-feeding guidance for those groups of women who have lower breast-feeding rates such as obese white women, and black women in general.
Making a Healthy Lunch, and Making It a Cause
New York Times, 1.23.10 An innovative company based in Oakland, California, provides school meals with higher food standards than the federal government requires; meals include fresh fruit and vegetables, and are free of artificial preservatives, colors, flavors and sweeteners. Serving meals in mostly low-income communities and still growing, company founders hope the federal government increases school meal reimbursements and channel any new money to schools that provide fresh and healthy meals.
Should We Test Teens for High Cholesterol?
ABC News, 1.22.10 Once thought to be a health issue for middle-aged adults only, new data from the CDC suggests that as many as 1 in 5 teenagers are suffering from high-cholesterol. "[these numbers] suggest that 15 or 20 years down the road, when we expect these young people to be productive, hard-working adults contributing to society, they will instead be disabled, crippled by heart attacks, strokes and facing expensive treatments, surgery and rehabilitation,” said Barbara Moore, president and CEO of Shape Up America.
Michelle Obama Talks to Mayors About Her Initiative to Combat Childhood Obesity
Washington Post, 1.21.10 First Lady Michelle Obama announced to the U.S. Conference of Mayors that a comprehensive initiative to combat childhood obesity would be revealed in early February, combining the efforts of federal, state and local governments, as well as foundations and other nonprofit organizations. "The idea here is very simple: to put in place commonsense, innovative solutions that empower families and communities to make healthy decisions for their kids," said Mrs. Obama.
As Obesity Increases, So Does Stroke Risk
HealthDay News, 1.21.10 As a person’s weight increases, so does their risk for stroke according to a new study in the publication Stroke. The degree of risk also varied by gender and ethnic group, with blacks especially at risk.
President’s Budget Commits Substantial Investments to Fight Obesity - 2.1.10 The Campaign to End Obesity today applauded the Administration’s commitment to stem the rates of overweight and obesity in America. Significant funding and support for initiatives to address the obesity epidemic were included in the President’s FY 2011 Budget.
Campaign Applauds New Report by Surgeon General on Need to Fight Obesity - 1.29.10 The Campaign to End Obesity today praised the commitment of the U.S. Surgeon General Regina Benjamin, First Lady Michelle Obama and Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to tackle America’s obesity epidemic. Surgeon General Benjamin released her report The Surgeon General’s Vision for a Healthy and Fit Nation, at an event with the First Lady and Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.
The Council on Foundations
The Campaign recommends specific policies and legislation to reverse the obesity epidemic.
