Slow Food San Francisco's Mid Year Childhood Obesity Bay Area (COBA) Conference took place last month and we're thrilled to say that it exceeded our expectations. Some of the most active and influential people involved in childhood obesity prevention gathered to discuss important policy, health and youth empowerment-related issues. It was a day of education, motivation, entertainment and, hopefully, inspiration to do even more.

Throughout the day a central theme emerged: the human cost of obesity. So many kids are facing a compromised quality of life, both physically and emotionally. And there is a tremendous cost to society at large. It was widely acknowledged that individuals need to take responsibility for their health - but the environment and social norms must be addressed if we want to make real progress.

It was our hope that attendees gained a broader perspective on the issue, leading to more effective models for change in our communities and professions. According to Laura O'Donohue, director of the COBA conference, "The statistics that constantly come out predicting the obesity rates in the U.S. in 20, or 30 years are frightening. I want people to realize that we still have time to make sure those statistics never becomes a reality." Laura is planning another conference for November and is confident that, with all the energy and amazing minds working on this issue, "we can not only stop the rise, and reverse some obesity trends, but actually start to create an epidemic of healthy eating and active living."