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For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
February 1, 2007

Fact Sheet: Encouraging Child Fitness

      President and Mrs. Bush Discuss Childhood Obesity

Today, The President And Mrs. Bush Met With Corporate Leaders To Encourage The Private Sector To Join The Federal Government's Efforts To Promote Child Fitness And Prevent Obesity. The President and Mrs. Bush met with executives from industries dealing with product development, entertainment, retail sales, and advertising to youth to discuss the importance of improving healthy food offerings and encouraging physical activity in their marketing campaigns.

Meeting Participants Included:

Childhood Obesity Is A Serious Public Health Problem. More than 10 million school-age children in the United States (approximately 18 percent) are now considered overweight, and the problem is getting worse. The proportion of overweight kids tripled among adolescents over the last 25 years, and nearly doubled for children ages 6 to 12. This increases their risk for adult heart disease and diabetes, lowers life expectancy, and creates additional health-care costs.

The Administration Is Working To Fight Obesity

The Federal Government Spends More Than $600 Million Annually To Fight Obesity.

In June 2002, President Bush Launched The HealthierUS Initiative To Promote Personal Fitness And Health. As part of this initiative, the President announced the revitalization of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports (PCPFS). The President also directed certain Federal agencies to review and revise policies, programs, and regulations related to physical activity and nutrition in accordance with the goals of the HealthierUS initiative.

This Year, The Administration's Actions To Fight Obesity Will Include: