http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tm...neral_obesity_4

Official: Obesity Fight Needs Allies

Mon Jul 21, 6:34 PM ET

By REBECCA CARROLL, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON - The government needs help from parents, community organizers, corporations and children in the fight against obesity, Surgeon General Richard Carmona said Monday.



"It takes a team to get the word out into all of the community so we can get children moving and keep them moving," he said. "We really need to get everybody to get on board and help us make this a healthier United States."


Carmona was speaking at the start of an anti-obesity initiative sponsored by the University of North Carolina and Gatorade.


"I cannot think of a more important message for athletes to send kids today than to talk about the importance of getting up, getting out and being active," said soccer star Mia Hamm, a UNC graduate.


Nearly 9 million American children, about 15 percent of those age 6 to 19, are seriously overweight, program organizers said.


In 2000, health care costs related to obesity were about $117 billion, Carmona said.


The initiative, called "Get Kids in Action," will include research, education and outreach. UNC's School of Public Health will study pilot projects in four still-to-be-selected North Carolina communities. The school's athletics department will help with outreach. Gatorade is paying the bills, $4 million over four years.


Carmona gave about 50 children from Washington area YMCAs the title "junior assistant surgeons general" and told them to tell their families, friends, teachers and others to stay physically active and to eat right.


President Bush (news - web sites) visited a YMCA in Dallas last Friday, promoting both health and economic benefits of exercise and nutritious food.


The Bush administration is also urging health insurance companies to join in combatting the problem. Health and Human Services (news - web sites) Secretary Tommy Thompson, who met Monday with insurance executives, said they could help address obesity by offering premium discounts to people with healthier lifestyles.


"Health is a great motivator," Thompson said. "But more importantly, so is money."


Overall, about 65 percent of Americans are obese or overweight, he said.


Many companies have refrained from offering different rates, either because some states' laws bar such discriminatory policies or they fear lawsuits. In response, Thompson has asked for a government study into how companies could offer rates based on health habits without violating laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act.


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