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According to the World Health Organization (WHO) (n.d.), childhood obesity was estimated to affect forty-two million children under the age of five in 2015. In the United States childhood obesity rates have risen by 50%, ...

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) (n.d.), childhood obesity was estimated to affect forty-two million children under the age of five in 2015. In the United States childhood obesity rates have risen by 50%, since 1980; this correlates to one in three children and/or teenagers being obese (Moore, Wilkie & Desrochers, 2016, p. 824). Childhood obesity is measured by body mass index (BMI). An individual with a BMI at or above the 85th percentile and below the 95th percentile is considered overweight, while a BMI above the 95th percentile is considered obese (Center for Disease Control, 2015). The purpose of this paper is to review the factors contributing to the United States alarming rate of childhood obesity and to review advocacy campaigns with the intention of creating a copasetic health advocacy campaign. Overview There are numerous factors contributing to childhood obesity including poverty, genetics, demographics, social norms and behaviors. Childhood obesity is a concern because it has a strong correlation to negative health consequences. Diseases and chronic conditions linked to obesity include, but are not limited to the following: diabetes (type II), cardiovascular disease—hypertension, pulmonary disease—asthma, sleep apnea, cancer, musculoskeletal issues, joint and arthritic conditions (McHugh, 2016, p. 95; Moore et al., 2017, p. 282). Let’s Move is one of the advocacy campaigns launched to help reduce the number of children affected by childhood obesity. This campaign was introduced in 2010 and was intended to raise awareness of childhood obesity and promote healthier outcomes. In order to reach the population as a whole, the campaign focused on reaching out to the entire community—teachers, parents, chefs, school principals/teachers/aids, church leaders, community organizers, chefs, and commercial corporations ....................................CONTINUED....................................