Michelle Obama Targets Fat Kids

Michelle Obama wants to whip fat kids into shape.

The first lady is embarking on an ambitious program that involves changes in food labeling, school lunches (no more Pizza Hut?), and an emphasis on exercise.

"One in three kids are overweight or obese, and we're spending $150 billion a year treating obesity-related illnesses," Obama told Good Morning America. "So we know this is a problem and there's a lot at stake."

One of the more noticeable effects of this campaign may be new food labeling to help parents identify healthy products. Obama says she's working with the Food and Drug Administration, big food companies, and retailers. That could be an interesting dance between the government and the food manufacturers. The FDA took the food companies to task over their own healthy-labeling program last year.

In fact, the industry-sponsored Smart Choices program was suspended in October after flak from the U.S. agency, states, consumer groups, and nutritionists. The labeling program raised eyebrows when Kellogg Co. slapped the logo on Fruit Loops and General Mills Inc. designated Cocoa Puffs a smart, healthy food.

The first lady's initiative will put pressure on food companies and fast-food chains to at least make the appearance of selling healthier, less-fattening food or controlling portions. Most major companies already are doing this. Kraft Foods Inc. sells portion-control packets of Oreos, Chips Ahoy, and other junk food, while McDonald's Corp. offers apple slices in place of french fries in Happy Meals (most kids still order the fries).

Ronald McDonald even donned a tracksuit to show kids how much he loves exercising. Look for more corporate hugs for kids who exercise so they can eat even more burgers, cookies, and cereal.