Let's Move

Let's Move! is a campaign started by First Lady Michelle Obama to solve the epidemic of childhood obesity and inactivity. Let's Move! works with local governments, schools, nonprofits and families, so that together, we can raise a healthier generation of young people.

 The Let's Move! initiative is structured around five pillars:

1. Creating a healthy start for children
2. Empowering parents and caregivers
3. Providing healthy food in schools
4. Improving access to healthy, affordable foods
5. Increasing physical activity

Due to the dangerous health effects of childhood obesity, today's generation of young people might be the first not to live longer than their parents. At the launch of the Let's Move! initiative, President Barack Obama signed a Presidential Memorandum creating a Task Force on Childhood Obesity. The Task Force will develop a national action plan and policy review to hopefully curb the rates of obesity.  One recommendation is that every child receive 60 minutes of active and vigorous play each day.

Learn more about the Let's Move! initiative:

The Newsweek article by First Lady Michelle Obama, Michelle on a Mission, discusses why she cares about Let's Move! and how the nation can empower parents, schools and the community to battle childhood obesity.

Through a report to the President, learn more about the White House Task Force on Childhood Obesity by reading, Solving the Problem of Childhood Obesity within a Generation (PDF).

The Let's Move! website suggests how families can Take 5 Simple Actions to be more active and healthy. The website offers, tips and tools for how to raise healthy kids at home, in schools and within whole towns and cities.

Let's Move! Cities and Towns

The Let's Move! initiative invites mayors and elected officials from cities and towns across the U.S. to be a part of the movement to stop childhood obesity. Local officials work on the ground with citizens, schools and nonprofits and their leadership can jumpstart healthy change within the community. Under a mayor's guidance, an entire town can be moved to create an action plan focused on the specific needs and culture of that town. If your local government is interested in being a part of Let's Move!, visit the City and Town website.