VERB Campaign Cancelled

September 14th, 2006 by Len Saunders

Childhood obesity is still on the rise, becoming a tremendous health risk among youth.  An article ( link ) by the Associated Press states “One in five children is predicted to be obese by the end of the decade.”  The main cause is probably unknown, but the environment plays into it.  Children are just not playing outside as much or eating properly due to less adult supervision and education.  The parents need to assume responsibility in this fight to make our children healthy.

One of the most heavily funded campaigns to fight childhood obesity has just been cut.  “… the government’s VERB campaign, a program once touted as spurring a 30 percent increase in exercise among the preteens it reached. It ended this year with Bush administration budget cuts.  VERB encouraged 9- to 13-year-olds to take part in physical activities, like bike riding or skateboarding. Slick ads, at a cost of $59 million last year, portrayed exercise as cool at an age when outdoor play typically winds down and adolescent slothfulness sets in.”

Now, it seems like childhood obesity programs needs to take place at the local level.  Cities and towns around the world need to step up to the plate and take a leadership role in this fight.  If not, the number of obese children will keep on rising.  “Some 17 percent of U.S. youngsters already are obese, and millions more are overweight. Obesity can lead to diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol, sleep problems and other disorders.”

Entry Filed under: Health / Fitness Articles