National Coalition Takes on Obesity

A nationwide coalition of retailers, nonprofits, and food and drink manufacturers is getting serious about obesity.

The 40-strong group has just launched the Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation, the goal of which is to reduce obesity — with particular focus on childhood obesity — across America by 2015, according to a foundation press release.

The players involved — including the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the Coca-Cola Company and the Girl Scouts of the USA — have contributed a total of $20 million to raise awareness about the need to balance healthy eating with exercise. The messaging will especially target kids from 6 to 11 and their caretakers.

The companies involved will also commit to changing aspects of their products, packaging and labeling to make calorie content more obvious. The companies also plan to design or improve weight-loss/maintenance programs for employees.

The foundation will expand the American Council for Fitness and Nutrition’s Healthy Schools Partnership to additional schools in new cities and a native tribal community in Iowa.

It is great news that people are getting serious about tackling this big problem. A wide-ranging coalition is exactly what’s necessary to make some real progress on obesity.

Photo courtesy of stock.xchng