Obesity

Singer and Actress Hilary Duff (R) hands out food to school children during her appearance for the 'Blessings in a Backpack' food program at the Normandie Avenue Elementary School in South Central Los Angeles on December 2, 2010. First Lady Michelle Obama, a champion of measures to fight childhood obesity in the United States, welcomed passage in Congress Thursday of a law aimed at improving the quality of school meals. The House of Representatives earlier passed The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, following passage by the Senate. The bill now awaits President Barack Obama's signature to become law. It allows the federal government to encourage schools, through subsidies, to serve students meals that respect nutritional standards set by the National Academy of Sciences. Michelle Obama called the bill a 'groundbreaking piece of bipartisan legislation that will significantly improve the quality of meals that children receive at school and will play an integral role in our efforts to combat childhood obesity.

A cafeteria worker supervises lunches for school children at the Normandie Avenue Elementary School in South Central Los Angeles on December 2, 2010. First Lady Michelle Obama, a champion of measures to fight childhood obesity in the United States, welcomed passage in Congress Thursday of a law aimed at improving the quality of school meals. The House of Representatives earlier passed The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, following passage by the Senate. The bill now awaits President Barack Obama's signature to become law. It allows the federal government to encourage schools, through subsidies, to serve students meals that respect nutritional standards set by the National Academy of Sciences. Michelle Obama called the bill a 'groundbreaking piece of bipartisan legislation that will significantly improve the quality of meals that children receive at school and will play an integral role in our efforts to combat childhood obesity.

A cafeteria worker supervises lunches for school children at the Normandie Avenue Elementary School in South Central Los Angeles on December 2, 2010. First Lady Michelle Obama, a champion of measures to fight childhood obesity in the United States, welcomed passage in Congress Thursday of a law aimed at improving the quality of school meals. The House of Representatives earlier passed The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, following passage by the Senate. The bill now awaits President Barack Obama's signature to become law. It allows the federal government to encourage schools, through subsidies, to serve students meals that respect nutritional standards set by the National Academy of Sciences. Michelle Obama called the bill a 'groundbreaking piece of bipartisan legislation that will significantly improve the quality of meals that children receive at school and will play an integral role in our efforts to combat childhood obesity.

Cafeteria workers prepare lunches for school children at the Normandie Avenue Elementary School in South Central Los Angeles on December 2, 2010. First Lady Michelle Obama, a champion of measures to fight childhood obesity in the United States, welcomed passage in Congress Thursday of a law aimed at improving the quality of school meals. The House of Representatives earlier passed The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, following passage by the Senate. The bill now awaits President Barack Obama's signature to become law. It allows the federal government to encourage schools, through subsidies, to serve students meals that respect nutritional standards set by the National Academy of Sciences. Michelle Obama called the bill a 'groundbreaking piece of bipartisan legislation that will significantly improve the quality of meals that children receive at school and will play an integral role in our efforts to combat childhood obesity.

Cafeteria workers prepare lunches for school children at the Normandie Avenue Elementary School in South Central Los Angeles on December 2, 2010. First Lady Michelle Obama, a champion of measures to fight childhood obesity in the United States, welcomed passage in Congress Thursday of a law aimed at improving the quality of school meals. The House of Representatives earlier passed The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, following passage by the Senate. The bill now awaits President Barack Obama's signature to become law. It allows the federal government to encourage schools, through subsidies, to serve students meals that respect nutritional standards set by the National Academy of Sciences. Michelle Obama called the bill a 'groundbreaking piece of bipartisan legislation that will significantly improve the quality of meals that children receive at school and will play an integral role in our efforts to combat childhood obesity.

Singer and Actress Hilary Duff (R) hands out food to school children during her appearance for the 'Blessings in a Backpack' food program at the Normandie Avenue Elementary School in South Central Los Angeles on December 2, 2010. First Lady Michelle Obama, a champion of measures to fight childhood obesity in the United States, welcomed passage in Congress Thursday of a law aimed at improving the quality of school meals. The House of Representatives earlier passed The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, following passage by the Senate. The bill now awaits President Barack Obama's signature to become law. It allows the federal government to encourage schools, through subsidies, to serve students meals that respect nutritional standards set by the National Academy of Sciences. Michelle Obama called the bill a 'groundbreaking piece of bipartisan legislation that will significantly improve the quality of meals that children receive at school and will play an integral role in our efforts to combat childhood obesity.

AURORA, CO - NOVEMBER 13: Overweight children and their parents participate in group exercise as part of the ShapeDown anti-obesity program for adolescents and children on November 13, 2010 in Aurora, Colorado. The 10-week family-centered weight-loss program held by the Denver area Children's Hospital aims to teach youth and their parents ways to lead a healthier more active lifestyle, as a longer lasting alternative to dieting. Nationally, some 15 percent of children are overweight or obese, as are some 60 percent of adults.

Washington Redskins tight end Chris Cooley, with scrapes and scars from recent games, sits with DC sports team owners shortly before delivering remarks inside the US Capitol September 28, 2010, on 'Get the Ball Rolling', a program against childhood obesity, eating right, and exercise.

NEW YORK - OCTOBER 07: A sign in a market window advertises the acceptance of food stamps on October 7, 2010 in New York City. New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg is proposing an initiative that would prohibit New York City's 1.7 million food stamp recipients from using the stamps, a subsidy for poor residents, to buy soda or other sugary drinks. Bloomberg has stressed that obesity among the poor has reached critical levels.

NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 18: First Lady Michelle Obama participates in a 'Let's Move' after-school event in Harlem with elementary school children at the New York Police Athletic League's Harlem Center November 18, 2010 in New York City. Obama's 'Let's Move' campaign highlights the importance of physical activity and healthy eating for children in an effort to combat childhood obesity.

Newark Mayor Cory Booker talks to students at Maple Avenue School November 18, 2010 in Newark, New Jersey. Booker and US First Lady Michelle Obama visited the school to talk about the First Lady's 'Let�s Move!' initiative to reduce childhood obesity.

Newark Mayor Cory Booker talks to students at Maple Avenue School November 18, 2010 in Newark, New Jersey. Booker and US First Lady Michelle Obama visited the school to talk about the First Lady's 'Let�s Move!' initiative to reduce childhood obesity.

Newark Mayor Cory Booker talks to students at Maple Avenue School November 18, 2010 in Newark, New Jersey. Booker and US First Lady Michelle Obama visited the school to talk about the First Lady's 'Let�s Move!' initiative to reduce childhood obesity.

Newark Mayor Cory Booker talks to students at Maple Avenue School November 18, 2010 in Newark, New Jersey. Booker and US First Lady Michelle Obama visited the school to talk about the First Lady's 'Let�s Move!' initiative to reduce childhood obesity.

US First Lady Michelle Obama hugs a woman in attendance at Maple Avenue School November 18, 2010 in Newark, New Jersey. Obama visited the school to talk about her 'Let�s Move!' initiative to reduce childhood obesity. At left Newark Mayor Cory Booker looks on.

NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 18: First Lady Michelle Obama participates in a 'Let's Move' after-school event in Harlem with elementary school children at the New York Police Athletic League's Harlem Center November 18, 2010 in New York City. Obama's 'Let's Move' campaign highlights the importance of physical activity and healthy eating for children in an effort to combat childhood obesity.

NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 18: First Lady Michelle Obama (C) participates in a 'Let's Move' after-school event in Harlem with elementary school children at the New York Police Athletic League's Harlem Center November 18, 2010 in New York City. Obama's 'Let's Move' campaign highlights the importance of physical activity and healthy eating for children in an effort to combat childhood obesity.

NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 18: First Lady Michelle Obama speaks at a 'Let's Move' after-school event in Harlem with elementary school children at the New York Police Athletic League's Harlem Center November 18, 2010 in New York City. Obama's 'Let's Move' campaign highlights the importance of physical activity and healthy eating for children in an effort to combat childhood obesity.

WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 20: U.S. first lady Michelle Obama (L) eats a turnip with a local 5th grader as they participate in the White House Kitchen Garden Fall Harvest October 20, 2010 at the White House in Washington, DC. The harvest was part of the first lady�s Let�s Move! campaign to reduce childhood obesity.

WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 20: U.S. first lady Michelle Obama holds up a sweet potato during the White House Kitchen Garden Fall Harvest October 20, 2010 at the White House in Washington, DC. The harvest was part of the first lady�s Let�s Move! campaign to reduce childhood obesity.

WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 20: U.S. first lady Michelle Obama speaks in front of a beehive during the White House Kitchen Garden Fall Harvest October 20, 2010 at the White House in Washington, DC. The harvest was part of the first lady�s Let�s Move! campaign to reduce childhood obesity.

SAN FRANCISCO - NOVEMBER 12: A student at Fairmount Elementary School looks at a display showing how much sugar is in soft drinks and juices on November 12, 2010 in San Francisco, California. San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom announced today that he vetoed a controversial legislation that was approved by the San Francisco board of supervisors that would ban toys in fast food 'happy meals.' He promoted his 'Shape Up SF' program as a more effective way to combat childhood obesity by encouraging children to eat better, exercise and for schools to offer healthy food choices that include fresh vegetables.

Newark Mayor Cory Booker talks to students at Maple Avenue School November 18, 2010 in Newark, New Jersey. Booker and US First Lady Michelle Obama visited the school to talk about the First Lady's 'Let�s Move!' initiative to reduce childhood obesity.

NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 18: First Lady Michelle Obama participates in a 'Let's Move' after-school event in Harlem with elementary school children at the New York Police Athletic League's Harlem Center November 18, 2010 in New York City. Obama's 'Let's Move' campaign highlights the importance of physical activity and healthy eating for children in an effort to combat childhood obesity.

Washington Redskins tight end Chris Cooley, with scraps and scars from recent games, sits with DC sports team owners shortly before delivering remarks inside the US Capitol September 28, 2010, on 'Get the Ball Rolling', a program against childhood obesity, eating right, and exercise.

SAN FRANCISCO - NOVEMBER 12: San Francisco mayor and California Lt. Governor-elect Gavin Newsom speaks to reporters after meeting school children at Fairmount Elementary School on November 12, 2010 in San Francisco, California. San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom announced today that he vetoed a controversial legislation that was approved by the San Francisco board of supervisors that would ban toys in fast food 'happy meals.' He promoted his 'Shape Up SF' program as a more effective way to combat childhood obesity by encouraging children to eat better, exercise and for schools to offer healthy food choices that include fresh vegetables.

SAN FRANCISCO - NOVEMBER 12: A student at Fairmount Elementary School drinks a bottle of Nesquik chocolate milk during lunch hour on November 12, 2010 in San Francisco, California. San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom announce today that he vetoed a controversial legislation that was approved by the San Francisco board of supervisors that would ban toys in fast food 'happy meals.' He promoted his 'Shape Up SF' program as a more effective way to combat childhood obesity by encouraging children to eat better, exercise and for schools to offer healthy food choices that include fresh vegetables.

SAN FRANCISCO - NOVEMBER 12: Cafeteria worker Rosaria Tufo hands out plates of fresh vegetables to students at Fairmount Elementary School on November 12, 2010 in San Francisco, California. San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom announced today that he vetoed a controversial legislation that was approved by the San Francisco board of supervisors that would ban toys in fast food 'happy meals.' He promoted his 'Shape Up SF' program as a more effective way to combat childhood obesity by encouraging children to eat better, exercise and for schools to offer healthy food choices that include fresh vegetables.

US singer Jennifer Hudson (C) poses with fifth-graders Edeleys Guerrero (L) and Timmy Miller (R) from Public School 111 in New York September 15, 2010 during the launch of Weight Watchers' Lose for Good charitable campaign to help fight hunger and obesity in school-aged children.

NEW YORK - OCTOBER 07: A woman buys a bottle of soda on October 7, 2010 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg is proposing an initiative that would prohibit New York City's 1.7 million food stamp recipients from using the stamps, a subsidy for poor residents, to buy soda or other sugary drinks. Bloomberg has stressed that obesity among the poor has reached critical levels.

WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 20: U.S. first lady Michelle Obama (L) weights a pumpkin with local 5th graders from Bancroft Elementary as they participate in the White House Kitchen Garden Fall Harvest October 20, 2010 at the White House in Washington, DC. The harvest was part of the first lady�s Let�s Move! campaign to reduce childhood obesity.

WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 20: U.S. first lady Michelle Obama (L) harvests pumpkins with local 5th graders from Bancroft Elementary as they participate in the White House Kitchen Garden Fall Harvest October 20, 2010 at the White House in Washington, DC. The harvest was part of the first lady�s Let�s Move! campaign to reduce childhood obesity.

WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 20: U.S. first lady Michelle Obama (R) talks to White House Executive Chef Cristeta Pasia Comerford (2nd L) as local 5th graders from Bancroft Elementary look on during the White House Kitchen Garden Fall Harvest October 20, 2010 at the White House in Washington, DC. The harvest was part of the first lady�s Let�s Move! campaign to reduce childhood obesity.

Newark Mayor Cory Booker and US First Lady Michelle Obama talk after she addressed students at Maple Avenue School November 18, 2010 in Newark, New Jersey. Booker and Michelle Obama visited the school to talk about the First Lady's 'Let�s Move!' initiative to reduce childhood obesity.

Newark Mayor Cory Booker talks to students at Maple Avenue School November 18, 2010 in Newark, New Jersey. Booker and US First Lady Michelle Obama visited the school to talk about the First Lady's 'Let�s Move!' initiative to reduce childhood obesity.

NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 18: First Lady Michelle Obama participates in a 'Let's Move' after-school event in Harlem with elementary school children at the New York Police Athletic League's Harlem Center November 18, 2010 in New York City. Obama's 'Let's Move' campaign highlights the importance of physical activity and healthy eating for children in an effort to combat childhood obesity.

WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 20: White House Executive Chef Cristeta Pasia Comerford (2nd L) weights crops with local 5th graders from Bancroft Elementary as White House Sam Kass (3rd L) looks on during the White House Kitchen Garden Fall Harvest October 20, 2010 at the White House in Washington, DC. The harvest was part of the first lady�s Let�s Move! campaign to reduce childhood obesity.

SAN FRANCISCO - NOVEMBER 12: Students at Fairmount Elementary School wait in line to get fresh vegetables from a salad bar in the cafeteria on November 12, 2010 in San Francisco, California. San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom announced today that he vetoed a controversial legislation that was approved by the San Francisco board of supervisors that would ban toys in fast food 'happy meals.' He promoted his 'Shape Up SF' program as a more effective way to combat childhood obesity by encouraging children to eat better, exercise and for schools to offer healthy food choices that include fresh vegetables.

Newark Mayor Cory Booker and US First Lady Michelle Obama hug after she talked to students at Maple Avenue School November 18, 2010 in Newark, New Jersey. Booker and Michelle Obama visited the school to talk about the First Lady's 'Let�s Move!' initiative to reduce childhood obesity.

NEW YORK - OCTOBER 07: Soda is displayed in a market October 7, 2010 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg is proposing an initiative that would prohibit New York City's 1.7 million food stamp recipients from using the stamps, a subsidy for poor residents, to buy soda or other sugary drinks. Bloomberg has stressed that obesity among the poor has reached critical levels.

(L-R) Benoit Nemery, professor of toxicology and chair of the Department of public Health at the Catholic University of Leuven, Hanns Moshammer, reporter of the breakout session on the environment and lung health, Susanne Logstrup, reporter of the breakout session on Physical activity, sleep, obesity and nutrition, Thierry Troosters, co-chairman of the breakout session on Physical activity and Anita Simonds co-chairwoman of the breakout session on Physical activity, are pictured at the start of the Meeting Chronic Respiratory Diseases - Exploring solutions in the European Union, in Brussels, on October 19, 2010, during the Belgian six months presidency of European Union.

WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 20: U.S. first lady Michelle Obama (L) harvests a pumpkin with local 5th graders from Bancroft Elementary as they participate in the White House Kitchen Garden Fall Harvest October 20, 2010 at the White House in Washington, DC. The harvest was part of the first lady�s Let�s Move! campaign to reduce childhood obesity.

WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 20: U.S. first lady Michelle Obama (2nd L) harvests broccoli with local 5th graders as they participate in the White House Kitchen Garden Fall Harvest October 20, 2010 at the White House in Washington, DC. The harvest was part of the first lady�s Let�s Move! campaign to reduce childhood obesity.

WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 20: U.S. first lady Michelle Obama (R) harvests with local 5th graders from Bancroft Elementary as they participate in the White House Kitchen Garden Fall Harvest October 20, 2010 at the White House in Washington, DC. The harvest was part of the first lady�s Let�s Move! campaign to reduce childhood obesity.

SAN FRANCISCO - NOVEMBER 12: School children at Fairmount Elementary School look at a display showing how much sugar is in soft drinks and juices on November 12, 2010 in San Francisco, California. San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom announced today that he vetoed a controversial legislation that was approved by the San Francisco board of supervisors that would ban toys in fast food 'happy meals.' He promoted his 'Shape Up SF' program as a more effective way to combat childhood obesity by encouraging children to eat better, exercise and for schools to offer healthy food choices that include fresh vegetables.

US singer Jennifer Hudson poses with fifth-graders Edeleys Guerrero (L) and Timmy Miller (R) from Public School 111 in New York September 15, 2010 during the launch of Weight Watchers' Lose for Good charitable campaign to help fight hunger and obesity in school-aged children.

NEW YORK - OCTOBER 07: A sign in a market window advertises the acceptance of food stamps on October 7, 2010 in New York City. New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg is proposing an initiative that would prohibit New York City's 1.7 million food stamp recipients from using the stamps, a subsidy for poor residents, to buy soda or other sugary drinks. Bloomberg has stressed that obesity among the poor has reached critical levels.

WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 20: U.S. first lady Michelle Obama (R) harvests sweet potatoes with local 5th graders from Bancroft Elementary as they participate in the White House Kitchen Garden Fall Harvest October 20, 2010 at the White House in Washington, DC. The harvest was part of the first lady�s Let�s Move! campaign to reduce childhood obesity.

SAN FRANCISCO - NOVEMBER 12: San Francisco mayor and California Lt. Governor-elect Gavin Newsom speaks to reporters after meeting school children at Fairmount Elementary School on November 12, 2010 in San Francisco, California. San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom announced today that he vetoed a controversial legislation that was approved by the San Francisco board of supervisors that would ban toys in fast food 'happy meals.' He promoted his 'Shape Up SF' program as a more effective way to combat childhood obesity by encouraging children to eat better, exercise and for schools to offer healthy food choices that include fresh vegetables.

SAN FRANCISCO - NOVEMBER 12: Cafeteria worker Rosaria Tufo hands out plates of fresh vegetables to students at Fairmount Elementary School on November 12, 2010 in San Francisco, California. San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom announced today that he vetoed a controversial legislation that was approved by the San Francisco board of supervisors that would ban toys in fast food 'happy meals.' He promoted his 'Shape Up SF' program as a more effective way to combat childhood obesity by encouraging children to eat better, exercise and for schools to offer healthy food choices that include fresh vegetables.