First lady Michelle Obama announces Let's Move! campaign against childhood obesity

Feb 18 2010

First lady Michelle Obama has announced her new campaign against childhood obesity - Let's Move! And that's just what she wants children to do.  And just because she knows the big man in the White House, do not expect the government to fund this initiative.

Bariatric physician Dr. Sasson, "Dr. Sass," Moulavi says, "I commend the First Lady for making people more aware of childhood obesity. It's an epidemic; an epidemic that was created by irresponsible food companies, parents and government."

The first lady's campaign has four parts: helping parents make better food choices, serving healthier food in school, making healthy food more available and affordable, and encouraging children to exercise more. Nowhere in her campaign does she mention that any government aid will be allocated for this initiative.

What parents of overweight and obese children need to realize is their child's weight is their responsibility.  The first item on Mrs. Obama's agenda is helping parents make better food choices. This puts the problem right in the parents' laps. The government is not making these food choices for your child. You are - the parent.  

Dr. Sass expresses his concern: "My worry is some parents will sit back and wait for the government to come up with a magic plan. It is not going to happen. Although first lady Michelle Obama may create awareness, parents need to realize they must take the initiative now. They have to stop waiting for a solution to fall from the sky. That's just magical thinking.

"Unfortunately it comes down to money. We all understand that your local municipal, state and federal governments are all underwater financially when it comes to school lunch programs. It is cheaper to provide an eight-cent doughnut than a healthy kids' meal. This is a budgetary choice without your children's health and nutritional needs in mind. As for the parents providing healthy nutrition in the house, the same food choices confront them in the supermarket and unfortunately the unhealthy, artificial foods are less expensive than the healthy foods.

"As parents, you need to take the first step in helping your child to a strong and healthy future."