The Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH) has reported its “delight” on hearing that First Lady Michelle Obama plans to launch a major initiative on childhood obesity.
“Like Mrs. Obama, PBH has viewed the growing prevalence of obesity in both adults and children with increasing alarm, and we applaud her decision to help us turn the tide on this disturbing trend,” the organisation said. “PBH shares Mrs Obama’s concerns about the number of children who are overweight or obese, and therefore at increased risk for chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart disease.”
Obesity levels have more than doubled among adults and tripled among children and adolescents from 1980 to 2004, according to PBH. Currently, two-thirds of adults and nearly one out of every three children in the US are overweight or obese.
“Michelle Obama has called obesity in this country a public health crisis that is threatening our children, our families, and our future, and I couldn't agree more,” said Elizabeth Pivonka, Ph.D., R.D., president and CEO of PBH. “As a registered dietitian and a Mom, it is heartening to see our First Lady put the good health and good nutrition of all our children at such a high priority.
“What you eat is one of the most important decisions you can make each day to impact your health, and fruits and vegetables are the one area where most Americans fall short,” Ms Pivonka added. “Adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet is a valuable step you can take to feel healthy and energized.”
PBH works with Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and other partners to reverse this trend by helping parents, schools and communities to raise healthy, well-nourished children.
The group’s goal is to encourage Americans to eat more fruits and vegetables to better their health. The foundation provides nutrition education materials, tips, recipes, and other information to encourage and support healthy lifestyle choices via the Fruits & Veggies-More Mattersnational public health initiative.
