Campaign against obesity

Obesity is a problem that has severe repercussions for the health of an individual and carries a high economic cost for society. It is a health condition that is now endangering our children’s futures.

Poor nutrition is a national problem and improving eating habits is a commendable cause to be taken up today by First Lady Michelle Obama. The idea is initiate a national campaign against obesity so that families, schools, businesses, nonprofits, and the government work together on this issue.

We applaud the initiative because one third of all American children are overweight and 17% are obese. These percentages are several times higher in the Latino community, where juvenile diabetes is growing exponentially.

This is precisely why we were surprised that Latino organizations, including some involved in the health sector, opposed establishing a tax on carbonated beverages to provide money for healthcare. It is well-known that carbonated drinks contain a high caloric content that contributes to obesity. Some schools have banned them due to the damage they cause to children’s nutrition. Today’s call by Mrs. Obama requires a serious, responsible commitment.

We believe the organizations that took the side of the soft drinks on this issue should give more thought to the impact these drinks have on Latino children and less to the monetary contributions the industry makes to their coffers.

The many diseases associated with obesity seriously harm an individual’s quality of life, negatively impact their productivity, and represent a high medical and financial cost to society.

Excess weight is a problem that can be prevented with a sincere commitment to good nutrition and an active life. We hope the First Lady will be successful in coordinating a real effort that will have an impact on one of this nation’s most serious problems.

Obesity is a problem that has severe repercussions for the health of an individual and carries a high economic cost for society. It is a health condition that is now endangering our children’s futures.

Poor nutrition is a national problem and improving eating habits is a commendable cause to be taken up today by First Lady Michelle Obama. The idea is initiate a national campaign against obesity so that families, schools, businesses, nonprofits, and the government work together on this issue.

We applaud the initiative because one third of all American children are overweight and 17% are obese. These percentages are several times higher in the Latino community, where juvenile diabetes is growing exponentially.

This is precisely why we were surprised that Latino organizations, including some involved in the health sector, opposed establishing a tax on carbonated beverages to provide money for healthcare. It is well-known that carbonated drinks contain a high caloric content that contributes to obesity. Some schools have banned them due to the damage they cause to children’s nutrition. Today’s call by Mrs. Obama requires a serious, responsible commitment.

We believe the organizations that took the side of the soft drinks on this issue should give more thought to the impact these drinks have on Latino children and less to the monetary contributions the industry makes to their coffers.

The many diseases associated with obesity seriously harm an individual’s quality of life, negatively impact their productivity, and represent a high medical and financial cost to society.

Excess weight is a problem that can be prevented with a sincere commitment to good nutrition and an active life. We hope the First Lady will be successful in coordinating a real effort that will have an impact on one of this nation’s most serious problems.

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