WASHINGTON, Feb. 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National League of Cities (NLC) would like to commend First Lady Michelle Obama for spearheading the administration-wide effort to combat childhood obesity announced today. The First Lady's work will have an immensely positive effect on our nation's health and wellness.

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The obesity campaign announced by the First Lady shows an understanding that municipal leaders need to play an important role in promoting nutrition and fitness in our nation's communities.  It takes into account the need for a coordinated effort across agencies and across governments for there to be a meaningful impact on childhood obesity rates.  

NLC member cities acted as representatives for cities nationwide at the event. Participating were Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone of Somerville, Mass., and Mayor Chip Johnson of Hernando, Miss.  

"The obesity epidemic is killing our children," said Mayor Chip Johnson. He continued, "We are very happy that the First Lady understands the role of municipal government in combating childhood obesity."

More than 12 million children and adolescents are considered obese, putting these children at higher risk of developing serious health problems later in life.  This increase in potential health problems may cost governments, businesses and families $117 billion per year in future health care costs, according to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. 

Mayor Curtatone said, "We are extremely honored to stand beside the First Lady to continue our work to reduce the incidence of childhood obesity in America." He continued, "I am proud that local initiatives will serve as models of best practices for communities across the country.  We look forward to continuing our efforts under the First Lady's national leadership."

Through its Institute for Youth, Education, and Families, NLC works to combat childhood obesity by raising awareness among municipal leaders about actions they can take to reverse the obesity epidemic.  With support from Leadership for Healthy Communities, a national program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, NLC has created a network of municipal officials committed to reducing childhood obesity. 

NLC has also partnered with the American Association of School Administrators to provide technical assistance to municipal and school district officials in six cities to develop comprehensive community wellness strategies and policies.  The Institute's action kit for municipal leaders on Combating Childhood Obesity outlines a broad range of steps city leaders can take to promote healthy eating, access to healthy food and active living.

For more information on NLC's work on childhood obesity, visit http://www.nlc.org/IYEF/youthdevelopment/obesity/.

The National League of Cities is the nation's oldest and largest organization devoted to strengthening and promoting cities as centers of opportunity, leadership and governance. NLC is a resource and advocate for 19,000 cities, towns and villages, representing more than 218 million Americans. 

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SOURCE National League of Cities

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