In February 2010, the American Academy of Pediatrics joined with the White House, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. Department of Education, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Let’s Move! initiative to reduce rates of overweight and obesity in our nation's children.
First Lady Michelle Obama addresses pediatricians and the important role they play in ending the childhood obesity epidemic in a generation (video clip first shown at the AAP National Conference and Exhibition, October 2010). View video presentation below.
As part of the Let's Move! initiative, the AAP pledges to engage in a range of efforts toward 2 primary goals:
Body Mass Index (BMI) is calculated for every child at every well-child visit in accordance with AAP recommendations*, and that information is provided to parents about how to help their child achieve a healthy weight; and
Prescriptions for healthy active living (good nutrition and physical activity) are provided at every well-child visit, along with information for families about the impact of healthy eating habits and regular physical activity on overall health.^
* BMI measurement begins at the 24 month visit ^ These actions are consistent with existing AAP policy and Bright Futures Guidelines.
LET'S MOVE! RESOURCES
Resources for pediatricians
To support our members in accomplishing these goals, the AAP offers many practice-friendly obesity resources described below. In addition to these resources, the AAP continues to develop materials for families and pediatricians to support healthy active living; check this site regularly for updates.
AAP President Judith S. Palfrey, MD, FAAP, with sports broadcaster and former New York Giants football player Tiki Barber at the launch event for First Lady Michelle Obama's "Let's Move!" initiative to reduce the rates of childhood obesity in the United States. (2/9/10)
New York Yankees Centerfielder Curtis Granderson and AAP President Dr. Palfrey outside the White House before the launch event for First Lady Michelle Obama's "Let's Move!" initiative to reduce the rates of childhood obesity in the United States. (2/9/10)
U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Regina Benjamin and AAP President Dr. Palfrey outside the White House before the launch event for First Lady Michelle Obama's "Let's Move!" initiative to reduce the rates of childhood obesity in the United States. (2/9/10)
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