The First Lady Gets Serious about Childhood Obesity in Alexandria

Courtesy photo

ALEXANDRIA, VA. - First Lady Michelle Obama dropped in to the YMCA in Alexandria on Thursday, where she joined Surgeon General Regina Benjamin, Secretary of Health Kathleen Sebelious, and American Academy of Pediatrics President Judith Palfrey to spotlight the problem of obesity in America.

The event marked the release of a new study by the Office of the Surgeon General on the public health challenge posed by obesity.

“I am thrilled that Mrs. Obama has taken up the fight to improve the health of our children and future generations,” said Rep. Jim Moran (D-8). “While much can be done on the private, individual level, I believe that childhood obesity is a national crisis that cannot, and will not, be solved without the full support of government.”  

“Congressman Moran…we are grateful for your leadership and concern and focus [on childhood obesity],” Michelle Obama said. “I want to thank you for all your work.” The First Lady added that her staff and the Congressman’s staff were already talking and that she looked forward to working together to tackle the childhood obesity epidemic.

Moran Co-Chairs the Congressional Prevention Caucus and is author of the “Healthy Kids Act,” innovative new legislation aimed at combating childhood obesity.