The Obama Diary

First Lady Michelle Obama announces proposed guidelines for local school wellness policies during an event in the East Room at the White House

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Thank you First Lady Michelle Obama: Obesity rate among 2-to-5 year old children dropped a stunning 43%. #LetsMove nytimes.com/2014/02/26/hea…

—
Nerdy Wonka (@NerdyWonka) February 25, 2025

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NYT: Obesity Rate For Young Children Plummets 43% In A Decade

Federal health authorities on Tuesday reported a stunning 43 percent drop in the obesity rate among 2- to 5-year-old children over the past decade, the first broad decline in an epidemic that often leads to lifelong struggles with weight and higher risks for cancer, heart disease and stroke. The drop emerged from a major federal health survey that experts say is the gold standard for evidence on what Americans weigh. The trend came as a welcome surprise to researchers. New evidence has shown that obesity takes hold young: Children who are overweight or obese between age 3 and 5 are five times as likely to be overweight or obese as adults.

“This is the first time we’ve seen any indication of any significant decrease in any group,” said Cynthia Ogden, a researcher for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the author of the report, which will be published in JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association, on Wednesday. “It was exciting.” Another explanation is that some combination of state, local and federal policies aimed at reducing obesity is starting to have an effect. Michelle Obama has led a push to change young children’s eating and exercise habits and 10,000 child care centers across the country have signed on. The news announcement from the C.D.C. included a remark from Mrs. Obama: “I am thrilled at the progress we’ve made over the last few years in obesity rates among our youngest Americans.”

More here

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Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, introduces JoAnne Hammermaster, from Vienna, Va., who is co-founder and president of Real Food For Kids, and her son Sam Hammermaster, before First Lady Michelle Obama announced proposed guidelines for local school wellness policies

First Lady Michelle Obama recites a “wrap” song written by students from George C. Marshall High School in Falls Church, Va., about healthy eating

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First Lady Michelle Obama helps Naeem Khan make history!

This handout photo provided by the Smithsonian shows a dress designed by Indian-American designer Naeem Khan for First Lady Michelle Obama. It was worn to the 2012 Governors Dinner and is now on display at the Smithsonian’s first major exhibit: “Beyond Bollywood: Indian Americans Shape the Nation” on Indian-American influences in U.S. history. Khan has designed several dresses for Mrs. Obama. The exhibit opens Thursday.

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*Ahem* Ladies? You’re welcome

Sam Kass, Executive Director of Let’s Move! and Senior Policy Advisor for Nutrition Policy speaks to guests before First Lady Michelle Obama and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announce proposed guidelines for local school wellness policies

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Great workout & interview with @FLOTUS ! Fun time bustin a move with the First Lady… #LetsMove pic.twitter.com/aOoYbE285b

— Mario Lopez (@MarioLopezExtra) February 25, 2025

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Who’s got the best moves: The First Lady, @MarioLopezExtra, or Alonzo Mourning? http://t.co/6R4zznRjDu #LetsMove

— FLOTUS (@FLOTUS) February 25, 2025

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First lady Michelle Obama gives a hug at a Miami parks and recreation center during a visit to promote her “Let’s Move” campaign