Childhood Obesity . . . Michelle Obama

• Obesity

Bravo to Michelle Obama for taking on pediatric obesity. If only she had identified the role of stress in the condition. The method started with treating pediatric obesity and the Shapedown Program. A comprehensive approach to problems always offers important advantages. In 1993, I write the Childhood Obesity Clinton. I attended a fundraiser for then Candidate Clinton and it was a summer evening. It was held in a palatial home in San Diego and guest were scattered around the pool. Diane Feinstein was there, and other politicians. When President Clinton arrived there was lots of scurrying around, and after a while, when he was around the pool, I approached him. I talked with him for a good 10 minutes about pediatric obesity, and his agenda for the family. He said, "If I am elected, I will advocate for you."  Afterwards, I asked Marion Nestle, at the time my colleague at UCSF what to do and she said, "He told you he would advocate for you, so tell him what to do." So I contacted other obesity experts and wrote these guidelines. What that doesn't say is the role of stress in pediatric obesity. It's all about stress, whether from genetics, health problems, school problems, and more, and I am very sad that Michelle has not dealt with the underlying cause. At this point I have written to her, but I can imagine she may be difficult to reach. Who can argue with good nutrition and physical activity, but the children who are already healthy and happy will be apt to benefit more than those who are in stress. So those she most wants to help are those who will be apt to be least helped by the plan. I'm hopeful that her new life as a child obesity advocate will be a learning experience. She's not dealing with stress, but I'm hopeful that she will either catch on to that need or pass it by for now, and identify it on the second round. It is hard for me to imagine taking on pediatric obesity without seeing that the problem is the drive to overeat, and these kids need the tools to connect with themselves. Their parents need support in honoring how difficult it is to parent these days, and to get the tools to pop to 1 where it is easier to set limits and nurture, and really connect with kids.