Michelle Obama asks mayors to help reduce obesity

First lady Michelle Obama is asking mayors to help reduce childhood obesity.

In a speech Wednesday to the U.S. Conference of Mayors meeting in Washington, Mrs. Obama said mayors are among the first to see what’s happening to the people they serve.

Government figures show that almost one in three children are overweight, and 17 percent are obese.

Mrs. Obama said she realizes the economic reality of tighter budgets. But she also said obesity threatens the economy through increased spending on obesity-related conditions like heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

The issue is one Mrs. Obama plans to focus on this year. She also highlighted work by some mayors to help kids in their communities become more active.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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