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The singer and the first lady are promoting physical education. Too bad her husband is helping to kill it
Mary Elizabeth Williams
April 28, 2011
http://www.salon.com/life/obesity/index.html?story=/ent/tv/feature/2011/04/28/beyonce_michelle_obama_obesity_hypocrisy
How does Michelle Obama want to fight childhood obesity in America? By promoting healthy eating choices, regular activity, and a little Sasha Fierce. In a video released Wednesday from the NAB Educational Foundation, a high-heeled Beyoncé leads a cafeteria full of kids in a rousing invitation to "Move Your Body." And on May 3, middle school students across the country will participate in a simultaneous performance of the song, with a little help from the NABEF's instructional videos of the choreography. Recess just got funky – if only for one day.
The public service-spirited campaign, part of Michelle Obama's Let's Move! initiative, is certainly a decent two-step in the right direction. Childhood obesity has tripled in America in the last three decades. And with no turnaround in sight, it's a deepening crisis with significant long-range consequences – and one that is disproportionately affecting low-income and minority children. The health problems associated with being overweight and obese in childhood range from increased risk for Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure to the immediate and very real threats of eating disorders, self-esteem issues and bullying.
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