AMA supports initiative to combat childhood obesity

The following statement is attributable to J. James Rohack, M.D., President, American Medical Association:

"The American Medical Association is pleased to support First Lady Michelle Obama in the Let's Move Campaign. As the nation's largest physician organization, we have long worked to address obesity and are committed to reenergizing our programs and communications this year to focus on children's needs related to obesity prevention and management.

"As part of our focus on childhood obesity, we will be expanding the AMA Healthier Life Steps toolkit to include action plans for healthy eating and increased physical activity for children. We have also joined with the California Medical Association Foundation to bring their Obesity Prevention Project nationwide and encourage physicians to become more engaged in preventing and managing childhood obesity.

"The AMA is looking forward to intensifying our obesity efforts and working with Mrs. Obama to advance this important initiative and help improve the health of our nation's children."