Michelle Obama's Childhood Obesity Plan Too Much to Swallow?

Reader Comments
Back to blog

Have you people heard of the constitution? Neither the federal nor the state governments have any business telling people what to eat.
I am sick of the overreach of these people to control every aspect of our lives. If someone wants to eat crappy food and die early, then OK, more power to you. If the government wasn't so obsessed about costs because they are involved in health care inappropriately, that would not be concern. If Obama wants kids to be healthier she has the bully pulpit to say so, like Nancy Reagan saying no to drugs. However a law is unconstitutional.

Jack of CT 6:58PM December 13, 2010

Chris of OH - I hope you are not serious about that comment. If you cannot see how not worrying about the youth of America's obesity rates are not one of the most serious issues that this nation has (in addition to all of the other issues you listed above) then you are simply an enabler who is just as guilty in allowing this health crisis to happen in the U.S. like every other irresponsible person who has let it happen. The fact that this generation is expected to die out at a drastically younger age than the generations before them and experience serious diseases that practially disable them, and will then in turn pass this style of life onto future generations so that the entire human race can deterioriate is a MAJOR issue and one that should not be taken lightly.

Lexi of NY 2:28PM October 20, 2010

People that are too concerned about the health of our children should be paying attention to more serious issues. We should be paying more attention to the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan that worrying about the children's health. Also we have people who need help like those people that were hit by the recent hurricane. Most of those are without power, have no access to fresh water and people who need medical attention who are not getting it. Kids just need to get out of the house it get moving and play games outside. Most the kids that have an obesity problem are kids who just play video games like it was their job. Our jobs as parents should to help incourage kids to get active, get together with friends and do something together.

chris of OH 1:22PM September 07, 2010

A unique way to combat childhood obesity is the KIDFIT application and the GreenPS application. KIDFIT is the first child fitness mobile application designed specifically to combat childhood obesity. GreenPS gives nutritional education while locating fresh produce and meats by gps on a map. Check it out at kidfitkids.com!

Jamal Williams of DC 2:26PM August 24, 2010

I think that the resposibility lies with the parents for children who are obese. I don't think M.obama can start to regulate what a person can and cannot put into there mouth though. Taxing certain foods like you do cigarettes punishes the good with the bad. Why don't we look at childhood obesity as child abuse same as a child who is being starved. We would send in social services for that why not do the same for the obese child Parents are letting there children eat to death. I have a 5 year old neice who probably wears a size 16 maybe higher. Both parents are huge and so is an older sister. The child is always eating something. She is not monitor at all I always considered it child abuse. I truly do worry about the effect all that weight is having on her heart and other vital organs at such a young age.

shelly of LA 10:03PM July 17, 2010

I think Mary Cate Kary's article misses the mark. We're facing an epidemic, and she knows the gravity of it. The interesting thing is that the epidemic was practically non-existant 30 years ago. So what's changed?
Physical activity? No convincing studies there. Though the food industry will tell you that's the answer to all our woes.
Parental responsibility? Parents are more active than they used to be, not less.
The pervasiveness of unhealthy food? Bingo. How pervasive is it? Ronald McDonald is more recognized than Santa Claus, that's how pervasive it is. And Ms. Kary really thinks that the gov't stepping in is some kind of "Big Brother" regulation? Give me a break.
I think it's about time food corporations were held accountable. In fact, parental responsibility should be consider parents taking collective action to stop food marketers from undermining their intent on making healthy choices for their kids.
Check out what this organization is doing: www.valuethemeal.org. This is a step in the right direction. Let's regulate the food industry....PLEASE for our kids health.

Concerned Parent of MA 11:27PM May 24, 2010

If all parents understood and were able to combat this problem, there would be no problem. To suggest that the First Lady is capable of making laws to force people to do anything because she shines a spotlight on the problem is ludicrous! Her suggestions for solving the problem of childhood obesity are just that -- and they are important for us as a nation. That there are food deserts in the nation's capitol is an outrage in the first place. We can and we should do better -- with or without the help of those who care nothing about other people's children.

Janna Dixon of FL 11:29AM May 21, 2010

ohh i meantt dont show your kids that* sitting on the couchand watching tv and eatingggg shouldd be a normal thing......
my badd:p

jennzy of NY 9:12AM May 21, 2010

yo fattys stop eating so much....parents need to tell their kids to stop eating so damn much... dont take them to the store and let them get chips and ice cream! make them eat healthy and exercise..and parents your kids are gonna get fat if you eat alot...dont show your kids then sitting on the couch watching tv should be a normal thing maybe sometimes but really just stopp..eat some carrots.....:)
jennzy<3

jennzy of NY 8:50AM May 21, 2010

This is a croak. These stupid posts sure pull the sleazy dregs out of the weeds.
Things are pretty miserable when all the fearmongers stoop to insults and mockery of someone looking out for the best interests of the country and looking out for the interests of the next generation, who incidentally will be the ones paying off your debt.
We owe the next generation at least healthy diets and sound educational opportunity to carry on what makes this country great.

Virgil of NV 7:23PM May 17, 2010