Success! We are finally seeing childhood obesity rates begin to drop after lawmakers, activists and the medical community came together to stop America’s addiction to junk food and a static lifestyle.

According to the Partnership for a Healthier America, 1,700 cities have promoted exercise to get 3 million kids moving in the last year.  However, we still have work to do to fight the obesity epidemic. If nothing is done, about half of the American population will be obese by 2030.

Where do we stand in 2013?

In 2013, one in three kids in the United States are obese and another third are overweight. Obese and overweight children are more likely to stay overweight as adults and suffer from diabetes, heart disease, cancer and other weight related conditions. The problem begins at a very early age and is difficult to change once a pattern of unhealthy eating has been established. One study showed that toddlers who were overweight at age two were more likely to be obese as adults.

Taking action by challenging the source

The Partnership for a Healthier America still has work to do when it comes to fighting obesity. They have challenged corporations such as Walgreens and Wal-Mart to make weight management by a priority by helping Americans gain access to healthier foods. They want to help 10 million Americans gain access to healthier foods by creating grocery stores in “food deserts”; low income areas without nearby grocery stores.

Michelle Obama supports the food deserts in urban neighborhoods and has led the fight towards childhood obesity.

“In places like Philadelphia, New York City and Mississippi – places where folks from every sector are working together – we’ve seen childhood obesity rates begin to come down,” said Obama.

For more information on actions against obesity visit: Yahoo News, The CDC