The National League of Cities has chosen Baton Rouge as one of four pilot cities for its new Childhood Obesity Program. The 18 month program will help the Baton Rouge government promote healthy eating and active living for children through community programs and recreational activities. The program is an important step forward because Louisiana has one of the country’s largest childhood obesity rates, a problem that can be very costly to local governments and communities. Read more.

A recent report released by the Task Force on Childhood Obesity, which makes recommendations for improved nutrition and physical activity, is also calling for food manufacturers to stop marketing unhealthy foods to kids. As part of First Lady Michelle Obama’s campaign to solve the problem of obesity within a generation, the report aims to put pressure on food manufacturers to exercise self-regulation when it comes to how they market certain foods to children. Read more.

Childhood obesity rates have tripled since the 1980s, with almost 15 percent of children now classified as overweight. The problem is even worse in Louisiana, where 36 percent of children ages 10 to 17 are overweight or obese. Recognizing the link between a child’s physical and mental health and academic performance, Jefferson Parish school officials are adopting a new program called “Fitnessgram” to assess student’s level of physical fitness as a baseline for future evidence-based interventions. Read how Jefferson Parish schools are fighting back against childhood obesity.

With over one-third of America’s children overweight or obese, the federal government is pooling resources and partnering with state and local leaders to fight the battle of the bulge. First lady Michelle Obama is set to spearhead efforts to make healthy living easier for American families by creating healthy school lunch programs, allowing kids more opportunities to be physically active and providing communities with access to healthy food options. As part of the program new PSAs have begun airing that feature special characters that appeal to kids.  Read the whole story.

America’s children are facing a health crisis. Few meet recommended dietary guidelines and many eat poorly and don’t exercise at all. In the last 20 years, the percentage of overweight children has tripled, resulting in earlier onset and increased prevalence of disease. In response, the USDA has established nutrition standards for its school meals programs and is now working to help increase physical activity and nutrition education in schools. Find out how your child’s school can get involved in the USDA’s Team Nutrition project. Graphic logo from: USDA Food and Nutrition Service