Written by ODPHP

Over two days in April, more than 300 researchers, public health practitioners, and the public gathered in downtown DC and via webcast to learn about the latest initiatives using physical activity to address obesity. The workshop, Physical Activity: Moving Toward Obesity Solutions, is the third part of a series of workshops hosted by the Institute Of Medicine (IOM) Round Table on Obesity Solutions exploring how different sectors can influence the health and weight status of Americans.…

Written by Colin Milner, Chief Executive Officer of the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA)

Advertisers in America spent $171 billion in 2013 to market their products and services. Of this amount, 95% was dedicated to building their brand and gaining the business of adults ages 35 years and younger, a number that remains unchanged since 2002.…

Written by Dr. David Geier, American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine

Next week marks the five-year anniversary of the launch of the Let’s Move! campaign. This initiative, launched by First Lady Michelle Obama, aims to make children happier and healthier by reversing some dangerous trends in childhood obesity:

Childhood obesity rates have tripled over the last 30 years. Almost 40% of African American and Hispanic children are overweight or obese. Obesity in kids can lead to dangerous medical problems later in life, such as heart disease, type II diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, and asthma. Obese children and teenagers are more likely to become obese as adults compared to non-obese children. Early research suggests that low self-esteem from childhood obesity can negatively affect academic performance and social interactions.

Fortunately, parents, schools, community leaders and healthcare providers can take steps to help children become more physically active and decrease the chances those kids become obese.…

Written by Alexandra Black MPH, RD, LDN, Health Promotion Manager, IHRSA

Last week, a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that twice as many early deaths may be caused by physical inactivity rather than from obesity. There is some bad news in terms of our physical activity habits as a nation, with just 5% of US adults and a third of US kids active on a daily basis according to the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition.…