Childhood Obesity Gaining Too Much Weight

Michelle Obama addressed the Conference of Mayors on Jan. 20, 2010 with her concerns about the tremendous increase of childhood obesity in America. She said, “Right now, nearly one third of children in America are overweight or obese – one in three. And one third of all children today will eventually suffer from diabetes – in the African American and Latino communities, it goes up to almost half.” (Remarks of First Lady Michelle Obama Conference of Mayors, Washington, DC, January 20, 2010)

First Lady Michelle noted the changes in our society that have made our neighborhoods less safe, thus not conducive for unrestricted outdoor play for children. She noted that the days are past when “you could send kids out to play and tell them not to come back until dinner.” Now, because of safety concerns, many children spend their afternoons viewing television or playing video games. Michelle’s goal is to establish a nationwide program that changes children’s behavior in regards to diet and exercise. She hopes her own children and children everywhere will “be able to engage in life with the energy, endurance, and focus they need to meet the challenges they’ll face along the way.”

In response to the First Lady’s initiative, the Children and Nature Network (C&NN) asked that her initiative include an “outdoor in nature” component. C&NN wrote, “We urge you to promote and support a deep connection between children and the great outdoors by considering the addition of an “outdoors in nature” component.” The purpose of C&NN is to reconnect children with nature by networking people and organizations who share their concern for the wellbeing of children and the natural environment. Some of the many opportunities for initiating this cultural swing for the health of our children include:

o On February 17-19th, YMCA of the USA is training state and local leaders on how to influence the built environment to make outdoor opportunities for physical activity an easy choice through their Pioneering Healthier Communities initiative

o On April 3rd, as part of the Children & Nature Network’s (C&NN) Children and Nature Awareness Month, C&NN will be hosting a national Natural Leaders Day, calling on youth across the country to get outdoors in nature

o On April 18th, the YMCA will celebrate Healthy Kids Day, the nation’s largest health day for children and families, celebrated at Y’s across the country

o On June 5th, the American Hiking Society will promote National Trails Day, encouraging organizations across the country to host events

o On June 19-20th, the Outdoor Foundation along with government and nongovernmental partners will bring thousands of youth to Central Park in New York City to shape the national agenda around youth, the outdoors and active living

o On June 26th, the National Wildlife Federation will host its annual Great American Backyard Campout