First Lady Michelle Obama wants to eliminate childhood obesity in the next generation. Tuesday, she launched a nationwide campaign called Let's Move to achieve that goal.
In the last 30 years, childhood obesity rates have tripled in the U.S. And that comes with a lot of health problems with a hefty health care cost.
Almost one out of every three children in the United States is obese. "Today's life expectancy of our kids is shorter than the parents," said Tiki Barber, broadcaster, former NFL player.
Michelle Obama wants to change that with a new program -- Let's Move.
"This isn't about inches and pounds. And it's not about how kids look. It's about how they feel and it's how they feel about themselves," Obama said.
Earlier in the day President Obama signed a Presidential Memorandum creating the first ever Task Force on Childhood Obesity. Within 90 days, the Task Force will conduct a review of every single program and policy relating to child nutrition and physical activity.
Let's Move focuses on helping parents make better food choices for their kids.
A public relations campaign is being launched and the food pyramid will be redone.
Also in the plan -- overhauling food in the schools and last but not least, getting kids move -- 60 minutes of active play every day.
A new website, Letsmove.gov has been set up with all of the information.
The task force will work to maximize federal resources and create benchmarks to eliminate childhood obesity.
