Some statistics:

– The annual cost of obesity in the United States is $147 bllion.

– Obesity rates have tripled among kids ages 12 to 19 since 1980.

– Being overweight is the number one reason military recruits are turned away.

This is serious.  Now a little story.

Sister was checking out at the grocery store the other day and decided to purchase the latest edition of  Newsweek magazine with Michelle Obama on the cover touting her cause against childhood obesity.  The grocery clerk looked at the cover and and remarked, “She’s got some nerve talking about obesity….she’s got a real bootie on her.”

Sister looked at her dumbfounded and said, “What?”

The grocery clerk responded, “I mean have you ever seen her backside?  Do you notice how they never show her backside?  She’s big and she shouldn’t be talking about obesity.”

This small exchange in the supermarket brings up a number of issues for Sister.

First, there are certain issues whose importance regarding the future of our country that are more important than politics.  The trend of children’s obesity is one of those issues.

Secondly, if  this grocery checker believes that Ms. Obama is fat, then, quite frankly, we are all doomed.   What is fat?  What is healthy? What is a normal weight?  What is acceptable?  What is good enough?

Third, in all her years, Sister has never seen a first lady on the white house lawn playing soccer with children.  She has never seen a first lady kneeling down and working in the dirt.  These simple tasks require strength, flexibility, aerobic fitness and an overall good constitution.  Judging from the statistics at the top of this post, there are a significant number of people  in this counry who are unable to perform these activities.

That, my fellow sisters,  is the problem.  So, forget politics. Grab our mothers, daughers and BFF’s.  Go on a walk, go for a bike ride, dance, do whatever it takes. Let’s get going girlfriends!

Sister also believes that anyone who can wear a J. Crew pencil skirt is good enough.