Comment: Measures against obesity
In the following section, we will provide you with some ideas you can use as inspiration when you comment on possible preventive measures against obesity taken companies, communities, schools, and the First Lady, based on the information available in the source materials.
Measures taken by companies
Most of the measures taken by companies are mentioned in “Remarks by the First Lady…”. From Michelle Obama’s speech, we find out that food producers and retailers are promoting healthier foods, either in their menus or by labeling food items more clearly: “Because of you, major American businesses like Disney and Walmart and Darden Restaurants are now offering healthier menus and products. Military leaders are serving healthier food on their bases”. (ll. 5-7)
“And I’m talking about things that folks like the folks at Darden Restaurants are doing to revamp their kid's menus with healthier options. I’m talking about our new MyPlate Pinterest recipe initiative that provides more than 1,500 healthy recipes [...] Walmart’s new “Great for You” seal which they’re putting on healthy food items in their stores, making it much easier to identify healthy products”. (ll. 88-94)
Another example is that of sportswear producer Reebok, which has invested money in a campaign in school promoting physical exercise: “And today, we are beyond thrilled to announce that Reebok is joining this effort with an additional investment of $30 million over the next three years”. (ll. 17-19)
Other company initiatives are mentioned in “The Obesity Epidemic”. Companies presented there have included in their office buildings spaces designed for sports, allow mothers to breastfeed and have healthy choices in the food menu for their employees:
- “Employers can offer work-site health programs that offer a variety of options for their employees…”(ll. 69-70)
- “And instead of just going to the short order cook and having a burger and fries, you can have a nice healthier sandwich, and that's – that's made a difference”. (ll. 73-74)
- “In addition, employers can make it easier for women to continue breastfeeding when they return to work…” (ll. 75-76)
