Written by Dr. David Geier, American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine

Next week marks the five-year anniversary of the launch of the Let’s Move! campaign. This initiative, launched by First Lady Michelle Obama, aims to make children happier and healthier by reversing some dangerous trends in childhood obesity:

Childhood obesity rates have tripled over the last 30 years. Almost 40% of African American and Hispanic children are overweight or obese. Obesity in kids can lead to dangerous medical problems later in life, such as heart disease, type II diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, and asthma. Obese children and teenagers are more likely to become obese as adults compared to non-obese children. Early research suggests that low self-esteem from childhood obesity can negatively affect academic performance and social interactions.

Fortunately, parents, schools, community leaders and healthcare providers can take steps to help children become more physically active and decrease the chances those kids become obese.…